Netanyahu Meets US Envoy Steve Witkoff to Discuss Gaza and Hostage Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently met with US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, at the Prime Minister's Jerusalem office. The two officials reportedly discussed the progress of the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas, as well as President Trump's controversial proposal for relocating Gaza’s population to neighboring Jordan and Egypt.

Though Netanyahu’s office did not disclose specific details of the meeting, reports from Kan public broadcaster indicated that Witkoff reaffirmed the US’s commitment to working with mediators to ensure the deal is fully implemented. Witkoff also addressed the political challenges Netanyahu faces, particularly from the far-right Religious Zionism party, which has threatened to leave the government if the military campaign against Hamas is not resumed.

According to reports, the meeting touched on potential plans for the relocation of Gaza’s population to Egypt and Jordan—Trump’s long-discussed idea for the region's reconstruction. However, both Egypt and Jordan have firmly opposed this suggestion, arguing that Palestinians should be allowed to remain in Gaza.

Witkoff's visit to Gaza earlier in the day, the first such visit by a US official in over a decade, was also marked by discussions of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, which has allowed for limited movement between Gaza’s northern and southern regions. This visit highlights continued US engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and efforts to mediate peace in the region.

In addition to his meeting with Witkoff, Netanyahu is set to visit Washington next week to meet with President Trump. The talks are expected to cover a range of issues, including the US's support for Israel and regional peace efforts. Netanyahu’s visit comes at a crucial time, as the Trump administration is working toward advancing agreements that could have a significant impact on Middle East geopolitics.