After the Saturday meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, an Israeli official reportedly voices sharp criticism of Witkoff.
According to the Ynet news site, there has been anger in Jerusalem as the White House envoy pressures Israel to open the Rafah Border Crossing between Gaza and Egypt this week, even if Hamas fails to return the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held by the Palestinian terror group.
“We hope Ran Gvili is returned this week and we can go forward,” the unnamed Israeli official is quoted as saying by the outlet, going on to attack Witkoff.
“Witkoff pushed for placing our big rival Turkey on the border. The clock is ticking backwards to the confrontation with Turkey, which will be a tangible danger to our security,” the official is quoted as saying.
“Witkoff has become a lobbyist for Qatari interests,” the official charges.
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Sunday, January 25, 2026
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