Former US envoy Jared Kushner has emphatically stated that for Israel to achieve regional integration in the aftermath of the Gaza war, it must actively contribute to the prosperity and well-being of the Palestinian people. Kushner, who played a significant role in past ceasefire mediation efforts, underscored this crucial need.
During an interview with CBS News on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Kushner articulated his primary message to Israeli leaders: “Now that the war is over, if you want to integrate Israel with the broader Middle East, you have to find a way to help the Palestinian people thrive and do better.”
This interview took place just before a renewed wave of Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip. These actions followed Israel’s assertion that Hamas, a militant group, had breached the existing truce by launching attacks on Israeli troops.
Kushner, son-in-law to former US President Donald Trump, was instrumental in facilitating groundbreaking diplomatic agreements during Trump’s initial presidential term. These accords led to several Arab nations normalizing their relationships with Israel.
Acknowledging the “very difficult” ongoing situation during the CBS discussion, Kushner highlighted his pursuit of “joint security and economic opportunity.” His goal is to establish conditions that ensure both Israelis and Palestinians can coexist peacefully and sustainably.
Further emphasizing his commitment, Kushner, accompanied by former Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff, returned to Israel on Monday, October 20. Their agenda included meetings with high-ranking Israeli government officials.
Regarding Gaza since the ceasefire on October 10, Kushner observed, “Hamas right now is doing exactly what you would expect a terrorist organization to do, which is to try to reconstitute and take back their positions.”
However, he expressed confidence that the emergence of “a viable alternative” would lead to Hamas’s downfall, ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel’s security.
When pressed on the sensitive topic of a Palestinian state – an entity recognized by most global governments but not by Israel or the United States – Kushner responded cautiously, stating it was “too early to tell.”