Trump envoy Kushner meets Netanyahu to advance Gaza plan after rare Hamas talks

Published Aug 17, 10:44 AM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on August 17, 2026, a day after holding a rare meeting with Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya in Cairo. The meetings aim to advance Trump's Gaza plan, which includes phased disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, Israeli withdrawal, and deployment of an International Stabilisation Force. Netanyahu publicly rejected the U.S.-backed agreement this month, insisting on complete disarmament before any withdrawal. Diplomats note Israel is unlikely to make major concessions ahead of the October 27 election. Kushner was joined by Nickolay Mladenov, Trump's Board of Peace envoy for Gaza. Hamas agreed to a new 15-point roadmap, but Israel rejected it. The article highlights stalled progress despite a ceasefire and previous hostage release deal.