**Trump Envoy Discusses Gaza Plan with Netanyahu After Rare Hamas Meeting**
In a significant diplomatic move, Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s senior advisor and son-in-law, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday. This meeting came just a day after Kushner held a rare discussion with Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya in Cairo, aimed at advancing the U.S. president’s Gaza plan.
The backdrop of this meeting is particularly notable as Netanyahu's ruling coalition is currently trailing in opinion polls ahead of the upcoming national elections in Israel scheduled for October 27. Recently, Netanyahu publicly dismissed a U.S.-backed agreement that proposed a phased approach for Hamas to surrender its arms in exchange for Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. This proposal, which was outlined by Trump, suggested that Israeli forces would gradually withdraw as disarmament took place, with an International Stabilization Force collaborating with a newly established Palestinian police force to maintain security in the region.
However, Netanyahu has firmly stated that Israel will not withdraw its military presence until Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza are completely disarmed. This stance reflects a broader sentiment among Israeli officials, who are unlikely to make significant concessions regarding Gaza in the lead-up to the elections.
During the meeting in Jerusalem, Kushner was accompanied by Nickolay Mladenov, Trump’s envoy for Gaza, who has been instrumental in efforts to implement Trump’s original 20-point plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Mladenov, a former U.N. official known for his connections with the United Arab Emirates, played a key role in brokering a disarmament agreement last month. Despite these diplomatic efforts, progress has been limited, with Israel continuing military operations in Gaza, even after agreeing to a ceasefire as part of Trump’s plan.
The discussions in Cairo included a new U.S.-backed 15-point roadmap that Hamas had agreed to, which sought to facilitate the implementation of Trump’s broader plan. However, Israel has rejected this roadmap, complicating the already tense situation.
Kushner's meeting with Hamas marks a continuation of his engagement with the group, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. This is not the first time Kushner has interacted with Hamas representatives; he previously met with them in October 2025 alongside U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, leading to a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
In response to the developments, Netanyahu's office has not provided immediate comments, reflecting the sensitive nature of ongoing negotiations and the political climate in Israel. As the elections approach, the Israeli government’s position on Gaza remains a pivotal issue, with Netanyahu’s administration facing pressure to maintain a hardline stance against Hamas.
The diplomatic efforts led by Kushner and Mladenov are part of a broader strategy to stabilize the region and address the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, the complexities of the situation, including the political dynamics in Israel and the internal divisions within Palestinian leadership, pose significant challenges to achieving a lasting resolution.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is closely watching the developments in Gaza, particularly in light of the impending elections in Israel and the ongoing humanitarian concerns in the region. The outcome of these diplomatic engagements may have far-reaching implications for peace efforts and stability in the Middle East.