US envoy Kushner reaffirms Gaza reconstruction tied to complete demilitarisation following talks with Netanyahu

August 18, Kathmandu: US Special Envoy Jared Kushner stated that significant progress was made during a nearly four-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, where discussions centered on Gaza reconstruction, demilitarisation, and Israel’s long-term security requirements.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Kushner outlined Washington’s firm stance that any international financial support for rebuilding Gaza remains strictly conditional on the complete disarmament of militant factions, including Hamas.

“We’re very committed to the fact that we have a plan to rebuild Gaza, but we will not allow Gaza to be rebuilt until the demilitarisation occurs,” Kushner said, emphasizing that international donors would not fund infrastructure projects if the enclave risks returning to control by armed groups or facing future destruction.

Kushner addressed concerns and clarified details regarding the Trump administration-backed peace roadmap during the extensive sit-down with Netanyahu and his team.

He noted that initial steps toward removing weapons and neutralising tunnel networks could begin within 30 to 90 days if all parties cooperate.

Kushner characterized the demilitarisation framework as a potential “win-win” scenario for Israel, adding that voluntary disarmament by Hamas would eliminate a major security threat, while any failure by the group to comply would grant Israel broader international and US backing to act accordingly.

The diplomatic push comes amid ongoing negotiations following Netanyahu’s initial pushback against elements of the proposed 15-point ceasefire plan. Following the meeting, Israeli and US officials agreed to establish dedicated working groups—one focused on disarmament mechanisms and another addressing public health and sanitation infrastructure—to advance implementation.

Prior to his arrival in Jerusalem, Kushner also held talks with Egyptian mediators and Hamas representative Khalil al-Hayya in El Alamein, Egypt, as part of broader regional efforts to break the deadlock on the postwar governance of Gaza.