US Special Envoy Jared Kushner has said Israel's upcoming Knesset election is complicating efforts to advance a US-backed plan for Gaza, describing the Israeli government's approach as “a little irrational” in certain respects because of domestic political pressures.

Kushner made the remarks on Sunday during a press conference in Kyiv, where he was appearing alongside fellow US envoy Steve Witkoff and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following talks focused primarily on efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

His comments came as Washington continues to push a proposal involving the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, alongside an Israeli military withdrawal from the territory.

Kushner Points to Israel’s Upcoming Election

Kushner said the United States and Israel broadly agree on what he described as the desired “end state” for Gaza but suggested that Israel's upcoming election was making negotiations more difficult.

“We're working through some political issues in Israel,” Kushner said, adding that the country has an upcoming election that makes the government “a little irrational in certain regards.”

Israel is scheduled to hold its Knesset election on October 27, 2026. The vote is expected to be an important political test for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, with domestic political considerations also influencing debates over Gaza policy. 

US Pushes Gaza Disarmament Proposal

Kushner's remarks came amid efforts by Washington to advance the Board of Peace's proposal for Gaza. The plan calls for the decommissioning of weapons held by Hamas and other armed groups and envisages an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

The proposal has encountered resistance from Israel, contributing to a delay in moving the process forward. The question of Hamas' weapons remains one of the central issues in discussions over Gaza's post-war security and political arrangements. 

Political Pressure Ahead of October Vote

The upcoming Israeli election has added another layer to the debate over Gaza. Recent reporting has highlighted renewed calls from members of Netanyahu's governing coalition for measures concerning the future of Palestinians in Gaza.

Reuters reported that far-right ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defence Minister Israel Katz, have renewed calls related to the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza ahead of the election. The proposals have drawn opposition from Arab and Muslim countries. 

Kushner Describes Gaza’s Situation

During his Kyiv remarks, Kushner also gave a bleak assessment of conditions in Gaza, saying the territory had been in a deeply dysfunctional state for a long period.

His comments came against the backdrop of continuing disagreements over Gaza's future, including the status of armed groups, Israeli military presence and the political arrangements that could follow any settlement.

The humanitarian and security situation remains highly sensitive, with reports of continuing Israeli military strikes despite the existing ceasefire framework. 

Kushner’s Kyiv Visit Focused on Ukraine

Although Kushner's comments on Gaza drew attention, his visit to Kyiv was primarily part of the Trump administration's diplomatic effort concerning the Russia-Ukraine war.

Kushner and Witkoff travelled to Kyiv after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials in Moscow. They held discussions with Zelenskyy on possible steps toward ending the conflict, although the talks did not produce an immediate breakthrough. 

Kushner's remarks therefore linked two separate diplomatic tracks involving the Trump administration: efforts to advance a post-war framework for Gaza and negotiations aimed at finding a diplomatic path toward ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Jared Kushner will travel to Israel and Egypt next week with senior Board of Peace officials as the Trump administration seeks to revive a stalled Gaza ceasefire plan.

Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and a key negotiator, will travel to the Middle East next week as Washington seeks to advance plans for ending the conflict in Gaza.

Kushner will visit Israel and Egypt with senior officials from Trump’s Board of Peace, according to an official familiar with preparations for the trip.

The delegation is expected to arrive in Israel on Sunday before travelling to Cairo for talks focused on Gaza’s future governance and reconstruction.

Blair Joins US Delegation

The delegation will include Kushner, Board of Peace high representative Nickolay Mladenov and Tony Blair, the former British prime minister and an executive board member.

The group will hold discussions with officials involved in efforts to implement a US-brokered ceasefire framework for Gaza.

A Board of Peace official said the meetings would demonstrate the Trump administration’s determination to establish what it described as peace, prosperity and sustainable security in a demilitarised Gaza.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because final details of the trip had not been completed.

Cairo Talks Focus on Gaza

After meetings in Israel, the delegation will travel to Cairo, where a Palestinian technocratic group has been preparing to assume responsibility for administering Gaza under the ceasefire framework.

The Palestinian group has held meetings in Cairo for several months as part of preparations for a possible transition in governance.

The proposed arrangement envisages Hamas giving up control and allowing reconstruction efforts to proceed across the heavily damaged territory.

Israel Rejects Recent Deal

The Kushner-led mission comes after Israel rejected a recent Trump administration proposal that called for Hamas to disarm and Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza.

The proposal initially appeared to offer a possible route towards ending the conflict. Hamas accepted the plan to decommission its weapons, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Israel will not withdraw until Hamas has completely disarmed.

The disagreement has created a rare public point of friction between the Israeli government and the Trump administration.

Ceasefire Plan Faces Obstacles

The latest proposal builds on an October ceasefire that halted major military operations and led to the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza.

However, implementation has stalled over several unresolved issues, including Hamas’ disarmament, Israeli military withdrawal and arrangements for Gaza’s future administration.

The latest diplomatic push aims to address those differences and prevent the ceasefire framework from losing momentum.

Reconstruction Remains Priority

The future reconstruction of Gaza is another central element of the proposed arrangement. Years of conflict have left large parts of the territory severely damaged, creating enormous humanitarian and infrastructure challenges.

The Board of Peace has presented demilitarisation and the transfer of control away from Hamas as important conditions for reconstruction and longer-term stability.

The planned discussions in Israel and Egypt are expected to focus on how those objectives could be implemented.

US Seeks Diplomatic Breakthrough

Kushner’s visit represents a renewed effort by Washington to bridge the gap between the positions of Israel and Hamas.

The success of the mission will depend on whether negotiators can find a workable formula for Hamas’ disarmament, Israel’s withdrawal and Gaza’s post-war governance.

The upcoming Israel and Egypt talks will therefore provide an important test of the Trump administration’s efforts to move the Gaza ceasefire process forward and establish a framework for reconstruction and longer-term security.

Kushner Heads to Middle East

Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and a key negotiator, will travel to the Middle East next week as Washington seeks to advance plans for ending the conflict in Gaza.

Kushner will visit Israel and Egypt with senior officials from Trump’s Board of Peace, according to an official familiar with preparations for the trip.

The delegation is expected to arrive in Israel on Sunday before travelling to Cairo for talks focused on Gaza’s future governance and reconstruction.

Blair Joins US Delegation

The delegation will include Kushner, Board of Peace high representative Nickolay Mladenov and Tony Blair, the former British prime minister and an executive board member.

The group will hold discussions with officials involved in efforts to implement a US-brokered ceasefire framework for Gaza.

A Board of Peace official said the meetings would demonstrate the Trump administration’s determination to establish what it described as peace, prosperity and sustainable security in a demilitarised Gaza.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because final details of the trip had not been completed.

Cairo Talks Focus on Gaza

After meetings in Israel, the delegation will travel to Cairo, where a Palestinian technocratic group has been preparing to assume responsibility for administering Gaza under the ceasefire framework.

The Palestinian group has held meetings in Cairo for several months as part of preparations for a possible transition in governance.

The proposed arrangement envisages Hamas giving up control and allowing reconstruction efforts to proceed across the heavily damaged territory.

Israel Rejects Recent Deal

The Kushner-led mission comes after Israel rejected a recent Trump administration proposal that called for Hamas to disarm and Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza.

The proposal initially appeared to offer a possible route towards ending the conflict. Hamas accepted the plan to decommission its weapons, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Israel will not withdraw until Hamas has completely disarmed.

The disagreement has created a rare public point of friction between the Israeli government and the Trump administration.

Ceasefire Plan Faces Obstacles

The latest proposal builds on an October ceasefire that halted major military operations and led to the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza.

However, implementation has stalled over several unresolved issues, including Hamas’ disarmament, Israeli military withdrawal and arrangements for Gaza’s future administration.

The latest diplomatic push aims to address those differences and prevent the ceasefire framework from losing momentum.

Reconstruction Remains Priority

The future reconstruction of Gaza is another central element of the proposed arrangement. Years of conflict have left large parts of the territory severely damaged, creating enormous humanitarian and infrastructure challenges.

The Board of Peace has presented demilitarisation and the transfer of control away from Hamas as important conditions for reconstruction and longer-term stability.

The planned discussions in Israel and Egypt are expected to focus on how those objectives could be implemented.

US Seeks Diplomatic Breakthrough

Kushner’s visit represents a renewed effort by Washington to bridge the gap between the positions of Israel and Hamas.

The success of the mission will depend on whether negotiators can find a workable formula for Hamas’ disarmament, Israel’s withdrawal and Gaza’s post-war governance.

The upcoming Israel and Egypt talks will therefore provide an important test of the Trump administration’s efforts to move the Gaza ceasefire process forward and establish a framework for reconstruction and longer-term security.

Ivanka Trump Faces Alleged IRGC-Linked Assassination Plot: FBI Makes Arrest

Report claims Iraqi national targeted former president's daughter in Florida as Iranian Foreign Minister cites US demands blocking ceasefire talks

US authorities have arrested an Iraqi national allegedly linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in connection with a plot to assassinate Ivanka Trump, according to a New York Post report. The development comes amid fragile diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, where Tehran has blamed Washington’s “excessive demands” for stalling progress.

The FBI arrested 32-year-old Mohammed Baker Saad Daoud Al-Saadi for allegedly pledging to carry out the assassination. Investigators reportedly recovered a blueprint of the Florida residence of Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, whose waterfront property is valued at around $24 million. The suspect had also shared a map of the area on the social media platform X, sources familiar with the investigation indicated.

Security Concerns in Trump Family

This incident highlights persistent security threats surrounding the Trump family even after Donald Trump returned to the White House. Ivanka Trump, who served as an advisor during her father’s first term, has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years but remains a symbolic figure in American politics.

Local authorities in Florida have not issued a detailed public statement, but initial reports suggest heightened vigilance around the property. Security experts note that such plots, whether fully operational or aspirational, often exploit geopolitical tensions for motivation.

Iran Denies Direct Link, Pushes Diplomacy

In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on Thursday night. Araghchi reportedly told his Pakistani counterpart that Washington’s “excessive demands” remain the primary obstacle to any potential deal aimed at ending the conflict.

Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in backchannel efforts, joined by Qatar and several Arab nations urging restraint. While some progress was reported in recent days, US officials have indicated that President Trump is still weighing options, including possible fresh military strikes if negotiations fail.

Fragile Ceasefire and Regional Tensions

The assassination plot news surfaces as the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Iran’s closure of the critical waterway earlier this year continues to disrupt global oil supplies, pushing prices higher. In India, fuel retailers hiked petrol and diesel prices for the third time this month, reflecting the ripple effects on import-dependent economies.

Arab nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have counselled the US against renewed strikes, warning of wider regional instability. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue operations in southern Lebanon and the West Bank, adding layers of complexity to mediation attempts.

Ground Reality and Public Impact

In Iranian port cities like Bandar Abbas, residents report mixed views on the Hormuz blockade. Some see it as leverage in talks, while others point to rising unemployment among dock workers and falling local business. Globally, the conflict has strained diplomatic channels and raised concerns over nuclear non-proliferation efforts, with recent UN talks ending without agreement.

The arrest of the Iraqi national is seen by some analysts as part of broader counter-terrorism operations targeting IRGC-linked networks. US officials have long accused the IRGC of orchestrating threats against American interests abroad.

What Lies Ahead

As diplomatic efforts enter a sensitive phase, the coming days could prove decisive. Pakistan’s continued engagement, along with Qatari support, may help bridge gaps. However, any new military escalation could further complicate the path to de-escalation.

President Trump has previously stated that oil prices would fall once the Iran situation is resolved. For now, markets remain volatile, and families like the Trumps face elevated security risks amid heightened global tensions.

US officials have cancelled a planned visit to Pakistan for proposed talks with Iran, marking another setback in efforts to revive backchannel diplomacy between Washington and Tehran. The cancelled visit involved US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, who were expected to travel to Islamabad for discussions linked to a possible ceasefire framework.

According to officials, the Pakistan visit was called off after talks with Iran failed to move forward for a second time. The development has added to uncertainty around a possible diplomatic opening between the two sides, with both Washington and Tehran holding firm on their respective positions.

Iran Talks Delayed

This is the second time the proposed US-Iran meeting has been postponed. Earlier, Iran had declined to participate in peace talks, saying it would not engage in negotiations until the US lifted what Tehran described as restrictions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran had conveyed that it would not send representatives to Islamabad unless its conditions were addressed first. That position effectively stalled the planned engagement and forced another delay in the diplomatic process.

The latest News Today development has drawn attention across global policy circles, especially as the region remains sensitive to any shift in US-Iran ties.

Trump Signals Frustration

Trump publicly confirmed the decision to cancel the Pakistan visit and signalled frustration over the stalled process. In a post on social media, he said he had instructed his envoys not to travel to Pakistan, citing the long journey and lack of meaningful diplomatic progress.

He said there was little point in spending 18 hours on travel for what he described as unproductive discussions. Trump added that if Iran wanted to engage, it could directly initiate contact with Washington.

His remarks suggested a hardened negotiating posture, even as he stopped short of indicating any immediate military escalation.

No War Decision Yet

Trump also said the cancellation should not be interpreted as a sign that the United States was preparing to restart military action against Iran. According to him, no decision has been taken on any such course, and the matter remains under consideration.

That statement appears aimed at limiting speculation around a possible escalation, particularly after the collapse of another diplomatic opening. Government Updates from Washington indicate that the US remains cautious about both direct engagement and confrontation.

The White House has not issued any formal statement beyond Trump’s remarks, but sources indicated the administration remains open to contact if Iran signals flexibility.

Iran Envoy Leaves Early

On the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Pakistan before the expected arrival of the US delegation. As per reports, Araghchi departed Islamabad on Saturday after meeting Pakistan’s prime minister and army chief.

During those meetings, he is understood to have conveyed Iran’s conditions and objections to US demands. Officials familiar with the matter said Tehran used the meetings to reinforce its position before any future engagement with Washington.

His early departure effectively undercut the already uncertain diplomatic schedule and confirmed that no immediate breakthrough was expected.

Diplomatic Channel Weakens

The collapse of the Pakistan visit has weakened an already fragile diplomatic channel between the US and Iran. Islamabad had emerged as a possible neutral venue for indirect talks, but the repeated delays now raise doubts over whether that track remains viable.

The episode is likely to remain a Public Interest Story, given its implications for regional security, oil routes and broader geopolitical stability.