Kushner Issues Ultimatum to Hamas: Disarm or Face Israeli Action

Washington DC, United States Aug 18, 2026 ALN: U.S. special envoy Jared Kushner delivered a stark ultimatum to Hamas on Monday, warning that the terrorist group must honor its commitments to disarm in Gaza or face an Israeli military operation to "finish the job." This statement underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and highlights the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has persisted for decades and has seen numerous diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace.

Speaking exclusively to Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, Kushner detailed high-stakes diplomatic meetings in Egypt and Israel over the last 48 hours aimed at advancing President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace roadmap as fighting and disagreements between Israel and Hamas persist. The backdrop of these discussions is marked by a series of violent confrontations, with both sides accusing each other of failing to adhere to ceasefire agreements, further complicating the peace process.

Israel has carried out air strikes and seized more territory in Gaza despite an October ceasefire, while Hamas has refused to give up its weapons, according to reports. This ongoing cycle of violence has not only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but has also raised concerns among international observers about the feasibility of achieving a peaceful resolution. The situation is further complicated by the political dynamics within Israel, where leaders face pressure from various factions that may influence their willingness to engage in compromise.

Kushner met first with Hamas in Cairo, together with the National Committee, the new technocratic Palestinian government that will take over control. This meeting is significant as it represents a rare opportunity for direct dialogue between U.S. officials and Hamas, a group that has been designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and several other countries. Kushner told Yingst that the group reaffirmed its commitment to Trump’s 20-point peace plan and to the "15-point roadmap that we've been working on with them for the last four months, where they commit to giving up their weapons." This commitment, however, is met with skepticism given Hamas's history and the ongoing violence in the region.

"Time will tell whether that's going to be implemented," he added, stating that Washington feels it could be "very close to knowing, and we're making a lot of progress towards trying to get to the next steps." The mention of a timeline for implementation is particularly critical, as previous peace initiatives have often faltered due to a lack of trust and differing interpretations of what disarmament and peace entail.

Kushner's remarks also indicated that failure to adhere to commitments could lead to increased Israeli military action, stating, "If they don't follow through now on their commitment, everyone will see that they're not genuine about peace, and then Israel will have a lot more support from the U.S. and others to go and finish the job in the appropriate way." This statement reflects the U.S. government's broader strategy of supporting Israel's right to defend itself while simultaneously pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

The warning from Trump’s son-in-law followed the rare face-to-face meeting — only Kushner's second known meeting with the group. In discussing the nature of the talks, Kushner remarked, "They said all the right things, but obviously, it's very, very hard to trust, you know, a terrorist organization that committed these terrible atrocities." This acknowledgment of the challenges in negotiating with Hamas highlights the broader dilemma faced by governments and organizations attempting to engage with groups that have a history of violence.

"It's going to have to be based on actions and steps, and I hope it will be true," Kushner added, emphasizing that the U.S. would be closely monitoring Hamas's actions in the coming weeks. The U.S.-led "Board of Peace" proposal centers on a phased ceasefire, the demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli troop withdrawal, Palestinian technocratic governance, and international reconstruction efforts. Each of these components is fraught with challenges, particularly given the longstanding mistrust between the parties involved.

On Monday, Kushner also traveled to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for further talks, where the central sticking point remains the roadmap execution timeline. Israel demands full demilitarization before withdrawing further or allowing reconstruction, while Hamas insists that withdrawal and disarmament must happen in parallel. This fundamental disagreement reflects the deep-seated issues that have historically plagued peace negotiations, with both sides holding firm to their positions.

Netanyahu, facing political pressure ahead of Israel's upcoming elections, appears cautious about phased compromises. The political landscape in Israel is highly volatile, and any perceived concessions could be politically damaging for Netanyahu and his party. The complexities of domestic politics often play a significant role in shaping foreign policy, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Despite the friction, Kushner expressed optimism following a four-hour session with Israeli officials. "I think today we had a very, very good meeting," Kushner said. "I think there were some valid concerns that they raised that we were able to address, and we were able to go through some of the misunderstandings and misinformation that's been out about it as well." This optimistic outlook may reflect a desire to maintain momentum in the peace process, even in the face of significant obstacles.

Kushner emphasized that Washington’s support for reconstruction remains tied to demilitarization. "We will not allow Gaza to be rebuilt until demilitarization occurs," Kushner warned. "We're also not going to restrict Israel's right to defend itself if there are any imminent threats. And so we had to clarify what that means." This statement encapsulates the delicate balancing act that the U.S. must navigate as it seeks to promote peace while also supporting Israel's security interests. As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of these diplomatic efforts will be closely watched by both regional and international stakeholders.