"A Lobbyist for Qatar": Israeli Officials Blast Steve Witkoff Over Rafah Demands
Explosive allegations emerge as Israeli officials accuse Trump envoy Steve Witkoff of prioritizing Qatari interests. Tensions flare over demands to reopen the Rafah crossing before the return of hostage Ran Gvili, sparking a major diplomatic rift.
Israeli officials have voiced strong dissatisfaction with Steve Witkoff, a special envoy appointed by US President Donald Trump, accusing him of acting as a "lobbyist for Qatari interests" in pushing for the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. The allegations highlight growing tensions in ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the Gaza Strip amid Israel's unwavering commitment to security and hostage recovery.
According to reports from Israeli media, Witkoff has been pressuring Israel to reopen the crossing this week, potentially involving Turkish oversight, even without the prior return of the body of Israeli hostage Ran Gvili, whose remains are believed to be held by Hamas. An unnamed senior Israeli official described the move as prioritizing foreign agendas over Israel's core demands, stating that such pressure undermines efforts to hold Hamas accountable.
Qatar, a key mediator in past hostage negotiations but often criticized for its ties to Hamas leadership, is seen as influencing these proposals through its financial and diplomatic leverage.The Rafah crossing, a critical gateway for aid and movement in and out of Gaza, has remained restricted since Israel's defensive operations against Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attacks. Israeli leaders insist that any reopening must be conditional on progress in hostage deals, including the return of remains like those of Gvili. The family of the fallen hostage has emphasized that no further phases of agreements can advance without this step, underscoring Israel's priority on bringing its citizens home.
Witkoff, a prominent real estate developer and longtime Trump associate, has been involved in broader Middle East diplomacy, including Gaza reconstruction talks and meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alongside Jared Kushner. However, Israeli sources have raised concerns about his approach, viewing it as potentially favoring quick deals at the expense of long-term security. This criticism extends to Witkoff's past positions on issues like Ukraine, where some see alignments with interests contrary to Israel's strategic allies.
While Qatar has recently reduced its mediation role, Israeli observers continue to warn of Doha's influence in regional affairs, including alleged funding streams to Hamas.
Israel has previously resisted similar international demands, prioritizing its national security imperatives.This development underscores the complexities of balancing diplomatic progress with Israel's unyielding focus on protecting its citizens and ensuring a secure future for the region.