Axios, citing five people, reported Kushner plans to visit Israel next week to
discuss Gaza — his first trip since January. The visit coincides with the White
House and Trump’s peace committee pushing a next-phase Gaza plan focused on
disarming Hamas and a possible Israeli withdrawal. The Netanyahu government is
highly skeptical of the U.S. plan and the upcoming October election has
heightened political sensitivity. A U.S. official said, "We are aligned on
strategic goals but Israel has expressed some concerns; we want to talk to
ensure coordination." The official added the visit date could change. Kushner
may also meet leaders of other regional states involved in Gaza. The trip
indicates the White House does not want the Israeli election to block the next
phase; Netanyahu is reluctant to make concessions that could damage his
political standing but also seeks to avoid a clash with Trump before the vote.
