Netanyahu and Kushner Agree on Hamas Disarmament Before Gaza Reconstruction

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a lengthy meeting with Jared Kushner, the special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, following Kushner's unusual talks with senior Hamas officials in Egypt. According to an Israeli official, the American side approached the meeting with moderation, setting clear boundaries for the discussion despite significant disagreements over the peace council.

The two sides reached several key understandings: no reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip will proceed without the complete disarmament of Hamas. The first step toward demilitarizing Gaza involves Hamas handing over all weapons for destruction under the supervision of General Jeffery. Both Israel and the U.S. agree on a genuine disarmament process covering both heavy and light arms.

Agreements were also made to maintain the Israel Defense Forces' freedom of operation and continue targeted killings of terrorists, especially those involved in the October 7 massacre. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not withdraw from the "yellow line" if the security situation does not allow it. Additionally, sanitation operations in Gaza were approved to prevent disease outbreaks.

However, a key divergence remains: Israel officially doubts Hamas will truly disarm, while the Americans believe it is possible. Kushner reiterated that no reconstruction should occur before Gaza is disarmed. Israeli officials presented evidence to Kushner showing the lack of any real disarmament process and highlighted Turkish funding of Hamas.

Kushner's earlier meeting in Egypt included Nikolay Mladenov, head of the peace council, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, as the White House and the peace council press both Hamas and Israel to advance the 20-point American peace plan for Gaza.