Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s former senior adviser and son-in-law, is set to travel to Israel next week to engage in discussions regarding the U.S. president’s Gaza strategy, according to Israeli officials. The visit, which includes meetings with key figures such as Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza of the Trump-led Board of Peace, aims to address the stalled implementation of a controversial 15-point plan. The plan, initially proposed by Mladenov, outlines a framework for ending hostilities in Gaza, involving Hamas disarming and a phased Israeli withdrawal. The trip follows public resistance from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has categorically rejected the 15-point plan. During a recent cabinet meeting, Netanyahu declared that Israel would not consider any military withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas had fully disarmed. This stance contradicts elements of the original ceasefire agreement signed in October, which did not mandate Hamas disarmament as a precondition for Israeli troop movements. Netanyahu emphasized that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would continue their operations against perceived threats, underscoring his firm position on security matters. The Board of Peace, established by Trump in early 2026, plays a central role in the current diplomatic efforts. Comprising international leaders and U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the organization seeks to facilitate a lasting resolution to the conflict. Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat serving as the group’s chief representative, has been instrumental in negotiating the terms of the plan. His earlier proposals called for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from parts of Gaza alongside Hamas disarmament, though he later adjusted the plan to suggest that troop withdrawals could occur only after comprehensive disarmament. Despite the optimism expressed by the Board of Peace, the situation remains complex. Hamas, while agreeing to certain aspects of the plan, has yet to provide clear details on the disarmament process. Concerns persist over the verification mechanisms and the sequence in which weapons would be surrendered. These ambiguities have contributed to the skepticism surrounding the plan’s viability, particularly among Israeli officials who view the proposal as insufficiently secure. Netanyahu’s rejection of the plan reflects broader tensions between the U.S. administration and Israeli leadership. While Trump has praised the initiative as a historic achievement, Netanyahu has maintained a cautious approach, prioritizing national security interests. He has stated that Israel will not compromise on its core principles, even in the face of American diplomatic pressure. This divergence highlights the challenges of aligning U.S. foreign policy with the realities of regional dynamics. As Kushner prepares for his visit, the focus will likely shift toward addressing the practical obstacles hindering the plan’s execution. Discussions may center on the feasibility of Hamas disarmament, the conditions for Israeli troop movements, and the potential for renewed negotiations. However, given the entrenched positions of both sides, achieving consensus appears unlikely. The upcoming talks may serve more as an opportunity to explore alternative pathways rather than resolve existing disputes. The situation in Gaza continues to evolve, with Israeli airstrikes remaining frequent despite the ceasefire agreement. Local health authorities report over 1,200 Palestinian casualties since the ceasefire took effect. These ongoing hostilities underscore the urgency of finding a sustainable solution, although the path forward remains uncertain. As the international community watches, the outcomes of Kushner’s engagement with Israeli officials could shape the trajectory of future diplomatic efforts.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
United Kingdom
