Trump's Special Representative criticized the Israeli government for "prolonging the war in Gaza."

12.05.2025 00:41

U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Representative for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, sharply criticized the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for its stance in Gaza. Witkoff stated, "We do not see a clear path forward, and despite the need for an agreement, the government is prolonging the war."

Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Representative for the Middle East, stated during a meeting with the families of Israeli captives in Gaza that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is prolonging the war.

"ISRAEL IS NOT READY TO END THE WAR"

According to a report by Israel's Channel 12 Television regarding the meeting, the details of which were not disclosed, Witkoff said, "We want to bring the captives back, but Israel is not ready to end the war." Criticizing the Netanyahu government's stance in Gaza harshly, Witkoff stated, "The government is prolonging the war despite the fact that we do not see a clear path forward and an agreement needs to be reached."

THE TIMING CAUGHT ATTENTION

Witkoff's criticisms came at a sensitive time when Israel is planning to expand the war in Gaza and just before Trump's visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

ISRAEL'S PLAN TO EXPAND OCCUPATION IN GAZA

The Israeli security cabinet had approved a plan to expand attacks on Gaza. This plan includes the occupation of more areas in Gaza and the expansion of "buffer zones." It also involves the Israeli army not withdrawing from the areas it has occupied and forcibly relocating Palestinians to the south of Gaza.

After the plan was approved, Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated in a conversation with the local press that they would permanently occupy Gaza.