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Khalil al-Hayya, Steve Witkoff, Benjamin Netanyahu
(Photo: REUTERS/Nir Elias, REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein, Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP, REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)
Witkoff emphasized ongoing efforts in the hostage negotiations, saying there is a strong push to include the remains of the fallen as part of the deal. Under the current framework, Hamas is expected to release 18 bodies in the first phase, along with 10 live hostages.
He also praised Qatar’s role as a mediator in the indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, suggesting the Gulf state could eventually join the Abraham Accords. Other countries he identified as potential candidates for normalization with Israel included Syria and Lebanon. As for Saudi Arabia, Witkoff said a deal with Riyadh might take more time and would likely not be part of the Abraham Accords framework but could emerge as a separate, significant agreement. Those present at the event understood that no breakthrough with Saudi Arabia was imminent.
On the Iranian front, Witkoff, who previously led talks with Tehran, said he believes a deal is achievable that would block Iran from enriching uranium—echoing recent assessments in Jerusalem and Washington that the campaign against Iran has been successful.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the tarmac at Ben Gurion Airport before his departure for Washington
Witkoff’s remarks came as Netanyahu traveled to the United States, coinciding with the arrival of an Israeli negotiating team in Qatar for talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump late Monday night local time.
Before boarding his flight, Netanyahu said, “We are working to secure a deal under the conditions we’ve agreed to. I’ve sent a negotiating team with clear directives, and I believe that the conversation with President Trump could certainly help move us closer to the outcome we all hope for.”
Despite progress, Israeli officials said a final agreement is not expected in the coming days due to remaining gaps. Hamas has reportedly provided a “positive” response to Qatar’s proposal—which includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies, and a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—but also requested “minor adjustments.” Israeli sources believe the differences are bridgeable.
