Kushner's Diplomatic Push in Gaza Amid Political Tensions in Israel
By Editor • August 17, 2026 • 1 min read
In a significant diplomatic maneuver, Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and envoy, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on August 17, 2026. This meeting took place just a day after Kushner's rare discussions with Hamas’ leader in Cairo, aimed at advancing the contentious Gaza plan proposed by the Trump administration.
Netanyahu, facing declining support ahead of Israel's national elections on October 27, publicly rejected a U.S.-backed proposal that would require Hamas to disarm in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. While Trump envisioned a phased approach involving an International Stabilisation Force and a new Palestinian police force, Netanyahu remains steadfast, insisting that Israel will only withdraw after Hamas and other militant groups are fully disarmed.
Accompanying Kushner in the talks was Nickolay Mladenov, the Trump administration’s Board of Peace envoy for Gaza. Mladenov has been instrumental in facilitating peace talks and is known for his close relationships with Middle Eastern states, particularly the UAE. Despite previous agreements, including a ceasefire last month, progress appears stalled as Israel continues military operations against Gaza.
The dynamics are further complicated by Hamas’ recent acceptance of a new U.S.-backed 15-point roadmap, which Israel has rejected. Kushner's engagement with Hamas marks his second meeting with the group, following a previous encounter in October 2025 that contributed to a ceasefire agreement.
Source: www.thehindu.com
