US Ambassador Explains Kushner's Meeting With Hamas to Deliver Direct Message

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Herzog addressed criticism from bereaved families regarding direct meetings between American officials, including envoy Jared Kushner, and Hamas representatives. In an interview with Channel 7, Herzog acknowledged the families' concerns but clarified that the purpose of the meetings was to convey a clear, unmediated message from the United States to Hamas. He emphasized that Kushner sought to communicate directly, bypassing intermediaries such as Qatar, Egypt, or Turkey, to ensure there was no misunderstanding.

Herzog explained that the message to Hamas was firm: they are expected to disarm and demilitarize, and that they have no future in Gaza. He stressed that the meeting should not be interpreted as a shift in US policy toward Hamas, which the US continues to regard as a terrorist organization responsible for horrific acts, including the October 7 attacks. The ambassador described Hamas as "wild" and reiterated that the US supports Israel's right to defend itself and combat Hamas.

When asked if the US expects Hamas to change its ways, Herzog was clear that no one in the US is naive enough to believe Hamas will suddenly reform. He stated that Hamas has not relinquished any weapons and remains a terrorist group. The ambassador urged the public to be grateful that the US is confronting Hamas directly with a bold and candid message that "your time is up."