Meeting with Netanyahu
On Monday, Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and envoy, held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This meeting follows Kushner’s rare discussions with Hamas leaders, aiming at reviving a peace plan for Gaza that Israel previously rejected.
Efforts to Advance Ceasefire
Amid efforts to strengthen the fragile ceasefire brokered in October, Kushner met a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo on Sunday, as reported by a Hamas official to NBC News. The specifics of Kushner’s meeting with Netanyahu remain unclear.
Diplomatic Strains
The United States and Israel are publicly divided over the roadmap for the Palestinian enclave and Israel’s handling of the West Bank crisis. Netanyahu faces internal pressure ahead of October elections, particularly from the far-right faction crucial to his coalition.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned peace efforts, advocating instead for targeted killings in Gaza, proposing the elimination of “30 or 40” individuals nightly.
Israel’s Stance
Earlier this month, Netanyahu rejected a 15-point plan requiring Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw from Gaza. Israel has made clear no military pull-out will occur until Hamas disarms completely.
Hamas responded to Israel’s stance by welcoming a communal condemnation from several Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and others.
Conditions for Disarmament
Hamas has agreed to disarm under the condition that Israel ends attacks and commences withdrawal. A subsequent stage would involve disarmament, contingent on international recognition of a Palestinian state, which Israel opposes.
Support in Diplomacy
Kushner was accompanied by Nickolay Mladenov, a former European Parliament member, and Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister, in these pivotal Middle East meetings. Together they represent efforts to ensure Hamas’s demilitarization.
An official stated that while the U.S. and Israel align on the desired end result, ensuring Hamas’s demilitarization, dialogues aim to address concerns and accelerate progress.
Opposition to the Peace Plan
Despite diplomatic efforts, many in Israel oppose the Trump-backed plan. The Israeli populace remains divided, with some advocating for continued military interventions against Hamas.
Ben-Gvir criticized attempts to advance the ceasefire, advocating for intensifying military actions against Hamas.
Israeli military claims to target Hamas militants amid ongoing hostilities, cumulatively resulting in over 1,200 casualties in Gaza since the ceasefire.
Escalating Conflict and International Response
Despite the truce, violence persists, including significant fatalities in Gaza and the killing of Israeli soldiers according to Reuters. Responses to Ben-Gvir’s statements reflect growing concerns about human rights and accusations against Israel.
Speaking on a podcast, Ben-Gvir dismissed peace efforts, suggesting continuous bloodshed and referring derogatorily to Palestinians, fueling conflict tensions in Gaza.
His calls for further military actions coincide with a divisive environment where Israeli settlers besieging Palestinian homes face criticism. Instances of violence, notably around Qusra, earned rebuke from U.S. officials, highlighting complex regional dynamics.