Kushner outlines Gaza reconstruction plan contingent on Hamas disarmament, no breakthrough in talks

Jared Kushner, the U.S. envoy and son-in-law of President Donald Trump, recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss a stalled Gaza peace plan, but reports indicate no significant breakthrough was achieved in the negotiations. The meeting on August 17, 2026, followed Kushner's earlier discussions with Hamas' political leadership in Egypt.

A key point of contention remains the sequencing of proposed steps in the 15-point U.S.-backed roadmap. Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not withdraw from Gaza or permit reconstruction until Hamas completely disarms. Conversely, Hamas maintains that an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza must precede any disarmament.

Despite the lack of a major breakthrough, both parties agreed to form working groups focusing on the disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza, as well as addressing public health concerns in the region. These diplomatic efforts come as Netanyahu prepares for a national election in October, where the situation in Gaza is a prominent issue.