Trump Envoy Kushner Meets Netanyahu After Hamas Peace Talks
Center-LeftRigor 5815 sources
The Story
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.
The Spread
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What they agree on
- US President Donald Trump's envoy, Jared Kushner, met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, August 17, after holding talks with Hamas leaders in Egypt on Sunday.
- The meetings aimed to advance an US-backed Gaza peace plan, which Israel publicly rejected last week.
- The peace plan calls for Hamas to disarm and Israeli troops to withdraw from Gaza, with Hamas stating its implementation depends on Israel meeting its commitments.
- Netanyahu insists Israel's military will only withdraw once Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza are completely disarmed.
- Kushner was accompanied by Nickolay Mladenov, Trump's Board of Peace envoy for Gaza, and officials from mediating countries like Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
Where they split
- BBC News and NBC News specifically mention that a Palestinian official told the BBC about Kushner's meeting with Hamas, while other outlets state a Hamas official or regional official confirmed it.
- LiveMint highlights that Kushner's meeting with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya was his second known meeting with Hamas representatives, with the first being in October 2025.
- Al Jazeera and The Guardian provide details on the Board of Peace, including its inauguration in February 2026 and Trump's role as chair for life.
- CNBC includes details about ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, including specific targets and casualties, which is less emphasized in other reports.
Source Perspectives
Left6 sources