Jared Kushner, a special envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday in a renewed effort to break the deadlock over a proposed Gaza peace plan. The meeting follows Kushner’s rare discussions with Hamas leadership in Egypt over the weekend, aimed at advancing a stalled 15-point agreement that calls for the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
The U.S.-backed plan, which was touted by President Trump as a breakthrough, has encountered significant opposition from Israel, with Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly rejecting key provisions. A primary point of contention remains the sequencing of disarmament and withdrawal, with Israel insisting on the complete disarmament of Hamas before any troop movements, while Hamas seeks an Israeli withdrawal as a prerequisite.
Kushner, accompanied by Board of Peace Director-General Nickolay Mladenov and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, was expected to convey Israel’s concerns and explore pathways to move the agreement forward. An official familiar with the diplomatic talks indicated that the focus of the meeting was on accelerating progress and finding common ground, rather than seeking a definitive signature on the existing 15-point document.
The Board of Peace, established in the aftermath of the 2025 hostage release deal, has been instrumental in the recent diplomatic overtures. Kushner’s engagement with Hamas, particularly his meeting with the group’s new leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt, marks a significant diplomatic development, given the U.S. classification of Hamas as a terrorist organization. These direct talks were reportedly aimed at translating the roadmap’s obligations into concrete, verifiable steps.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Washington has intensified its pressure on both sides to move beyond the negotiation phase and toward implementation. A joint statement issued by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, and Turkey condemned Israel’s rejection of the roadmap, accusing Jerusalem of delaying efforts to end the conflict and highlighting the risks of undermining President Trump’s peace initiatives.
The roadmap itself outlines a phased approach, including the gradual disarmament of Hamas, the transfer of governance responsibilities to a new Palestinian administration, and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces. The plan also includes provisions for an international stabilization force and the reconstruction of Gaza. However, Netanyahu has expressed concerns that Israel cannot withdraw without verifiable assurance that Hamas will not retain weapons or rebuilding capacities, citing the events of October 7, 2023.
Kushner’s approach, as outlined in recent analyses, emphasizes measurable disarmament, independent verification, and phased Israeli withdrawal, with each step contingent on the implementation of corresponding security commitments. This strategy aims to move away from reliance on assurances from Hamas towards a framework where compliance is independently certified, thereby addressing Israel’s fundamental security requirements.
The diplomatic push comes at a critical juncture, with the Gaza conflict having spurred a significant international diplomatic crisis. Several nations have recalled ambassadors or cut ties with Israel amid the ongoing hostilities. The conflict has also revitalized discussions around a two-state solution, with the United States focusing on a plan centered on Israeli-Saudi normalization, while Arab nations emphasize the establishment of a Palestinian state as a prerequisite for lasting peace.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, significant challenges remain. The differing interpretations of the roadmap and the deep-seated mistrust between the parties are substantial hurdles. The upcoming Israeli national election in October adds another layer of complexity, with political considerations potentially influencing the willingness of the Israeli government to make concessions.
The engagement between Kushner and Netanyahu underscores the persistent U.S. commitment to brokering a resolution to the Gaza conflict. The ongoing discussions aim to bridge the gap between the stated objectives of Hamas and the security imperatives of Israel, with the hope of achieving a sustainable peace and enabling the reconstruction of Gaza.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
