Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, special envoys for President Donald Trump, are conducting a series of meetings across the Middle East alongside Tony Blair, a senior figure in the Peace Council. The delegation is expected to arrive in Israel this week for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to Western diplomatic sources cited by the Saudi channel Al-Sharq and reported by Kan News, the visit aims to reduce tensions and prevent the breakdown of the "roadmap" plan's second phase, which includes provisions for Hamas to disarm.
The three envoys are scheduled to meet with Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials today and tomorrow before continuing to Egypt for talks with mediating nations.
Separately, Nikolai Mladenov, director-general of the Peace Council, has informed mediators that Israel's resistance to the plan stems from the country's preparation for upcoming elections. Mladenov indicated that President Trump will work to implement the plan "when appropriate conditions allow" — meaning after the elections conclude and a new government is formed.
The sources added that Washington understands Netanyahu's desire to wait until after the elections but is demanding guarantees to reduce escalation and limit military operations. This requirement reflects concerns that continued fighting could lead to the complete collapse of the agreement.
Trump's effort to salvage the Hamas deal comes as another Middle East agreement he signed — with Iran — appears to be falling apart, suggesting the president's regional initiatives are facing mounting challenges.
