Kushner, Netanyahu Spar Over Credit for Hostage Deal

Former White House advisor Jared Kushner claimed the US leveraged a failed Israeli strike in Doha and subsequent global isolation to pressure Israel into a hostage deal with Hamas. He stated that the military operation, which he described as "terrible" and a "military failure," led to Israel's international isolation, creating a dynamic the US used to push for the agreement.

Kushner, speaking at the "Yalta European Strategy" conference, asserted that the Israeli leadership was initially uncomfortable with the pressure but ultimately benefited from the deal, as did the residents of Gaza. The strike he referred to occurred on September 9, 2025, during "Operation Fire Summit," targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar who were reportedly discussing an American proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release. The hostage deal was finalized about a month later.

The Likud party, however, presented a contrasting narrative. They attributed Hamas's agreement to release hostages to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to expand military operations, specifically mentioning the IDF's entry into Gaza City and strikes against Hamas leaders in Qatar, combined with pressure from then-US President Donald Trump. According to Likud, these actions compelled Hamas to drop its demands and agree to the release of all remaining hostages.