US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Jared Kushner, has met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of efforts to advance the US-backed peace plan for the Gaza Strip.
Kushner arrived in Israel on Sunday evening after rare talks with Hamas representatives on the implementation of the US plan. The visit comes after Israel last week rejected Trump's 15-point plan, which includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops and the reconstruction of Gaza under a new Palestinian civilian administration.
The most contentious point remains the disarmament of Hamas. The Palestinian group has expressed its willingness to give up its weapons in exchange for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, while Netanyahu's government demands that disarmament be completed before any withdrawal.
Israel also demands that weapons handed over by Hamas be destroyed rather than stored by a Palestinian technocratic committee, arguing that otherwise they could return to the group's hands.
Meanwhile, according to Israeli media, Peace Board envoys Nickolay Mladenov and Tony Blair are also expected to meet with Netanyahu to discuss ways to implement the American plan.
The diplomatic efforts take place in a tense political climate in Israel, where Netanyahu is facing increased pressure from his far-right allies, who are calling for an even tougher approach in Gaza.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for daily killings in Gaza, using harsh and dehumanizing language toward Palestinians. His stances run counter to the Trump administration's efforts to advance a deal that would end the conflict and pave the way for a new political phase in Gaza.
