Trump Envoy Kushner Meets Netanyahu After Hamas Peace Talks

US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Jared Kushner, met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, August 17.

Kushner arrived in Israel after holding talks with Hamas leaders in Egypt on Sunday, August 16, to discuss the implementation of the US-backed Gaza peace plan. Hamas later called on mediators and the Board of Peace to compel Israel to approve the roadmap for the next steps. This marks Kushner's second known meeting with Hamas officials; he previously met them with US envoy Steve Witkoff in October 2025.

Last week, Israel rejected Trump's 15-point plan for peace, which calls for Israeli troops to withdraw and Gaza to be rebuilt under a new civilian Palestinian administration. Netanyahu stated Israel's military will only withdraw once Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza are completely disarmed. Trump had said the agreement would be carried out in phases, with Israeli forces withdrawing as disarmament proceeded and an "International Stabilization Force" working with a new Palestinian police force.

Hamas agreed to the 15-point roadmap last month, stating its implementation depends on Israel meeting its commitments, including withdrawal and halting attacks. Eight Muslim countries issued a statement on Sunday condemning Israel's rejection of the plan. Kushner was joined in the meetings by Nickolay Mladenov, Trump's Board of Peace envoy for Gaza, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Representatives of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, who have mediated peace efforts, were also part of the meeting in Egypt. The Board of Peace, inaugurated in February 2026, includes roughly 40 countries, with Trump installed as its chair for life. Netanyahu faces an October national election, with his ruling coalition trailing in opinion polls. Diplomats say Israel is unlikely to make major concessions over Gaza ahead of the October 27 election.