Trump's Middle East envoy says U.S. and Israel agree on Gaza endgame but election pressures make decision-making "a little irrational" Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and special envoy, offered pointed remarks about Israel's political climate during a visit to Ukraine, saying that while Washington and Jerusalem agree on the ultimate vision for Gaza, Israel's election cycle is interfering with rational policymaking "I think we agree with the Israelis on the end state for Gaza," Kushner said. "They have crazy elections, and that makes them a little irrational in certain aspects."
Kushner was in Ukraine as part of White House efforts to broker an end to the war there. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky one day after holding a three-hour meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Israel is currently in the midst of its election season, which has historically created political pressures that can complicate long-term strategic decision-making. Kushner's comments come amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the Israeli government over implementing the peace plan for Gaza. According to reports, the White House has been pressing Israel to move forward with Hamasdisarmament and infrastructure reconstruction in the coastal territory.
Last month, Kushner held a four-hour meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the peace initiative. The two sides reached an agreement that no reconstruction would proceed in Gaza without complete disarmament of Hamas, with the first step being the surrender of all weapons for destruction under international supervision. (Ed note: Does anyone else see Jared as a taller version of National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. Another presidential envoy who was more than willing to throw Israel under the bus.) (Read More)
