Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law, is set to embark on a high-stakes trip to Israel and Egypt next week to discuss the ongoing Gaza situation, according to multiple sources. The planned visits come amid mounting tensions surrounding the U.S.-backed initiative aimed at disarming Hamas and transferring control of Gaza to a new Palestinian technocratic government. Kushner's journey will include meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, signaling continued U.S. efforts to mediate the crisis. Kushner's visit marks his first trip to Israel since January, reflecting the urgency of the current negotiations. The White House and Trump's Board of Peace have been pushing forward with the next phase of the Gaza plan, focusing on disarming Hamas and potentially facilitating an Israeli withdrawal. However, the Netanyahu government has shown skepticism toward the U.S. proposal, particularly given the approaching October elections, which have heightened political sensitivities around the issue. A U.S. official emphasized that while there is alignment on the strategic objective, Israel has raised concerns about the plan. “We see eye-to-eye on the strategic goal, but Israel has expressed some doubts about the plan and we want to talk to them in order to make sure we are coordinated,” the official stated. The exact dates of Kushner's trip remain subject to change, though the overall timing suggests a focus on addressing these concerns before the Israeli elections. Trump announced two weeks prior that his Board of Peace had reached an agreement with Hamas to disarm and transition civilian and security control of Gaza to a new Palestinian administration. However, Netanyahu publicly rejected this plan last week, citing pressure from coalition partners and political opponents. Despite his skepticism, Netanyahu reportedly promised to consider the plan following a recent phone call with Kushner. Additionally, he pledged to limit attacks on Gaza to allow the demilitarization process to commence, according to a U.S. official. A senior U.S. official noted that the White House interprets Netanyahu's rejection as primarily driven by political considerations rather than a definitive policy stance. “We understand Bibi's political needs. We have no problem with it as long as he continues to do what we ask, especially regarding restraining attacks in Gaza,” the official remarked. In response, Israel has significantly reduced its airstrikes on Gaza, and the Israeli military has withdrawn to the Yellow Line, aligning with the terms outlined in the agreement. Kushner is scheduled to travel to Israel alongside Nickolay Mladenov, the Gaza Board of Peace's designated "high representative." Their itinerary includes discussions with Netanyahu and other key Israeli officials. In addition to Israel, Kushner is expected to hold meetings in Cairo with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, aiming to consolidate support for the peace initiative among regional stakeholders. The White House is keen to avoid delays in implementing the next phase of the plan due to the Israeli elections. Meanwhile, Netanyahu seeks to balance his political interests with maintaining relations with Trump, avoiding any open conflict ahead of the vote. “The elections are making everyone hysterical,” a U.S. official acknowledged, highlighting the complex dynamics at play. Kushner and Mladenov aim to establish a clear path forward for Gaza over the coming months, ensuring each step is executed meticulously. “We are not rushing into anything here. We want to make sure all steps in Gaza are being done properly,” another U.S. official said. They emphasize that their approach offers a preferable alternative to the current instability in the region. A Board of Peace official confirmed that Kushner, Mladenov, and their teams maintain regular communication with Israeli authorities, striving to advance Trump's Gaza peace plan. These discussions cover a range of shared objectives and mutual concerns, with both sides agreeing on the ultimate goal of achieving stability in the region. “What is critical is that we both agree on the desired outcome and are finding ways to accelerate progress,” the official added.
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