Jared Kushner, the U.S. envoy and son-in-law of former President Trump, is scheduled to visit Israel next week to discuss the situation in Gaza, according to five sources familiar with the plans. This visit will mark Kushner's first trip to Israel since January. The discussions are part of efforts by the White House and Trump's Board of Peace to advance a plan focused on disarming Hamas and potentially facilitating an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, has expressed skepticism regarding the U.S. plan, especially with elections approaching in October. A U.S. official noted that while there is agreement on strategic goals, Israel has raised concerns about the plan, and the discussions aim to ensure coordination between the two parties.
Recently, Trump announced that his Board of Peace had reached an agreement with Hamas to disarm and transfer control of Gaza to a new Palestinian technocratic government. However, Netanyahu publicly rejected the disarmament plan under pressure from coalition partners and political opponents, despite previously indicating a willingness to consider it.
Kushner is expected to travel with Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative of the Gaza Board of Peace, and meet with Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials. Additionally, Kushner plans to meet with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey in Cairo. The White House is concerned that the upcoming Israeli elections may hinder the implementation of the Gaza plan, as Netanyahu navigates political pressures while seeking to avoid confrontation with Trump.
Kushner and Mladenov aim to establish a mutual understanding with Netanyahu regarding the future of Gaza over the coming months, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and execution of the proposed steps.