Jared Kushner, an adviser to President Trump, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on August 17, 2026, to discuss the U.S. approach to Hamas disarmament in Gaza. During the four-hour meeting, Kushner emphasized the need for Israel to take small steps to assess Hamas' commitment to disarmament, according to a U.S. official.
The meeting took place amid skepticism from Netanyahu regarding the U.S. plan for Gaza, particularly with an upcoming election influencing his willingness to make concessions. Kushner's delegation included notable figures such as Nikolay Mladenov, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and senior advisers Aryeh Lightstone and Liran Tancman.
Netanyahu expressed doubts about Hamas' willingness to demilitarize and questioned Kushner about his recent meetings with Hamas leaders in Egypt. Kushner explained that direct communication with Hamas was necessary to gauge their intentions. He referenced a previous meeting that resulted in the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
The political climate in Israel, especially ahead of the October election, has led to significant skepticism, with opposition parties criticizing Netanyahu for any concessions regarding Gaza. Kushner and Netanyahu discussed public opinion polls indicating that many Israelis oppose Gaza reconstruction before demilitarization and support continued military action against threats from Hamas.
Kushner outlined a proposed demilitarization process where Hamas would transfer its weapons to a Palestinian technocratic government, which would then hand them over to an International Stabilization Force for destruction. Netanyahu's military intelligence and Shin Bet officials briefed Kushner's team on Hamas violations.
While the meeting was ongoing, Trump publicly stated that he wants Israel to halt airstrikes in Gaza, highlighting a difference in defining imminent threats between the Board of Peace and the Israeli government. Kushner and Netanyahu agreed to establish a mechanism to monitor violations and address concerns about emerging threats, with Egyptian mediators involved.
Netanyahu committed to improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza, particularly regarding water and sanitation. Kushner and Netanyahu agreed to create two working groups focused on demilitarization and humanitarian issues. A U.S. official stated that while there are gaps in understanding, tangible steps could be taken if Hamas begins to demonstrate compliance with disarmament. Following the meeting, Netanyahu's office confirmed the establishment of the working groups and reiterated that demilitarization must occur before reconstruction efforts begin.