Published: 12:54, August 18, 2026
Netanyahu, Kushner agree to form Gaza demilitarization group
By Xinhua
This combo picture created on Aug 18, 2026, shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) casting his ballot in the Likud party primary elections ahead of Israel's general election in October, in Jerusalem, Aug 17, 2026; and Jared Kushner arriving at the Mar-a-Lago club, Feb 1, 2026, in Palm Beach, Florida. (PHOTO/AP)

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and visiting US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and envoy Jared Kushner agreed on Monday to establish two working groups to advance the demilitarization of Gaza and address infrastructure and public health needs in the war-devastated enclave, according to Netanyahu's office.

The meeting was also attended by Nickolay Mladenov, "high representative for Gaza" of the US-led "Board of Peace."

Netanyahu's office described the talks as "deep and constructive."

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One working group will focus on the disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza, the office said in a statement, noting that Israel and the "Board of Peace" are "determined" that demilitarization be completed before reconstruction begins.

A second group will focus on sanitation, clean water and other public health issues in Gaza, it said.

Kushner arrived in Israel a day after holding talks with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt – a rare direct meeting as part of efforts to advance the Gaza ceasefire plan.

Earlier this month, Netanyahu rejected a US-backed 15-point roadmap for Gaza, saying Israel will not withdraw its forces from the enclave until Hamas is fully disarmed.