Tel aviv: US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive in Israel within days for talks on Iran and the Gaza ceasefire, Israeli media reported. The public broadcaster KAN stated that Witkoff will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials to discuss US negotiations with Iran and the second phase of Trump's Gaza plan.
According to Anadolu Agency, Army Radio, citing senior Israeli officials, indicated that Witkoff is set to arrive on Tuesday. The US envoy is expected to meet with Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and senior military officials, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, as reported by a senior security source.
Neither Netanyahu's office nor the US administration has confirmed the visit or announced a specific date for the trip. The anticipated visit comes as the US increases its military presence in the Middle East, with President Trump having threatened military action against Iran.
The developments unfold amid Arab and regional efforts, led by Trkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, to push for negotiations between Washington and Tehran to prevent a wider regional confrontation. Signs of concern have grown in Israel following indications that Washington may favor a political solution with Iran rather than a military option.
According to Israel's Channel 12, Tel Aviv has warned Washington against what it described as Iranian 'deception.' Israel outlined three conditions for what it considers an acceptable deal: 'no nuclear weapons, no missiles and no support for Iran's regional allies, including Yemen's Houthis, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran-backed factions elsewhere in the region.'
On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed confidence that an agreement with the United States over Iran's nuclear program is possible, noting that Washington, in coordination with regional countries, is seeking a path to resume negotiations.
These developments come in the context of Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties and injuries since October 2023. During the same period, Israel has launched separate military operations in Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Yemen, as well as an airstrike in Qatar.