US envoys meet Israel’s Netanyahu to discuss regional updates

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on October 20th, according to a report by the Middle East Eye plus agencies.

According to an Israeli government spokesperson, Witkoff and Kushner were there to discuss developments in the region.

Both Witkoff and Kushner have played a key role in mediating the ceasefire deal in Gaza. In a report on October 7th, Rob Geist Pinfold, an international security expert at King’s College London, said that “Kushner and Witkoff have a larger-than-life role in the administration. Their arrival signals Trump is serious about a ceasefire.”

News of the meeting suggests that, contrary to previous claims about stepping back from politics and instead focusing on his real estate business, Witkoff intends to retain his position in the administration of US President Donald Trump. The Middle East Eye initially reported on October 14th that sources close to Witkoff said he planned to leave his role after the “gruelling” diplomacy of negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Witkoff responded to these claims through a statement on X that said the rumours were “100 per cent Fake News.” He also emphasised his commitment to the role by adding that he was, “more engaged on the peace process than ever.” He added: “I am continuing to proudly serve the President of the United States!”

The optimistic tone of the post contrasted with the statements Witkoff made when talks between Israel and Hamas broke down on July 25th. The envoy said that “Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith.”

Hamas had previously accepted an initial ceasefire plan modelled on Witkoff’s 60-point plan on August 18th; the plan stipulated a 60-day pause in fighting to facilitate a prisoner swap. However, Israel rejected this proposal.

Like Witkoff, Kushner is also a real estate enthusiast and a supporter of Israel, but Kushner is also Trump’s son-in-law. It was reported on August 27th that Kushner and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair were in talks to discuss a post-war Gaza plan.

Kushner’s involvement in the Middle East peace process has been controversial, not least because he called for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza during an interview at Harvard University on February 15th 2024. During the interview, he advocated for the expulsion of the Gaza Strip’s 2.2 million inhabitants, whilst claiming that Gaza’s “waterfront property could be very valuable.” Kushner has reportedly been a close friend of Netanyahu since the 1990s.

Middle East Eye plus agencies, Maghrebi.org