US special envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Israel, set to meet Netanyahu over Gaza crisis
United States special envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in Israel for high-stakes meetings focused on the Gaza conflict and nuclear negotiations with Iran, Hebrew-language media reported.
Witkoff, who serves as US President Donald Trump’s top envoy for ceasefire efforts and Middle East diplomacy, is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at 2 p.m., according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
President Isaac Herzog issued a public welcome, calling Witkoff’s presence “a vital and critical effort that must not be missed.”
“This visit represents another window of opportunity to secure a ceasefire and bring the hostages home,” Herzog said in a statement released shortly after Witkoff’s arrival.
Witkoff’s itinerary reportedly includes a rare visit to the Gaza Strip, a move viewed as both symbolic and controversial.
According to Ynet, he is expected to tour aid distribution centers operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US- and Israel-backed agency that has faced mounting international criticism over alleged IDF fire near its facilities and its perceived failure to meet basic humanitarian needs.
The visit would mark Witkoff’s second trip to Gaza this year. In January, he visited the Netzarim Corridor, becoming the highest-ranking US official to enter the Palestinian territory in over a decade.
A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Witkoff will be holding a series of consultations with Israeli officials “to discuss next steps in addressing the ongoing humanitarian and security situation in Gaza.”
The Prime Minister’s office has not disclosed further details about the scope of today’s meeting or whether additional officials will be involved.
