Kushner Meets Netanyahu as Talks Shift to Gaza Plan’s Demilitarization Phase

Overview

• Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosyan confirmed Jared Kushner met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday.
• The meeting reviewed the ongoing first phase focused on the return of hostages’ remains, with 24 bodies handed over so far and about four still in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.
• Disarmament of Hamas and demilitarization of the Gaza Strip form the core of the proposed second phase discussed by the parties.
• Plans include creating an international stabilization mechanism for Gaza, which Israeli officials say is being coordinated with the United States.
• The talks follow an October 10 ceasefire under which Hamas freed 20 hostages and Israel released roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.