Special envoy’s attendance—reportedly arranged in haste—indicates leaders expected to discuss situation in Gaza and stalled negotiations for release of hostages
Ynet
U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is expected to attend a high-level meeting at the White House on Monday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with their respective teams.
According to reports, Witkoff’s participation was hastily arranged, signaling that the talks may include pressing issues such as the war in Gaza, the ongoing hostage crisis and Hamas’ refusal to release captives unless Israel withdraws its forces and ends the war.
Netanyahu’s visit to Washington was scheduled late last week following a conversation with Trump over the U.S. decision to impose a 17% tariff on all Israeli imports.
The prime minister is also slated to meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to address the tariff issue.
Sources close to Netanyahu expressed surprise at the urgency with which the meeting was arranged. While the Prime Minister’s Office had proposed a date after the start of Passover next Saturday, the White House insisted for the meeting to be held as early as Monday.