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"Trump's envoy 'shaken' Netanyahu in one meeting more than Biden did in the whole year"

Netanyahu & Steve Witkoff

Benjamin Netanyahu & Steve Witkoff

Steve Witkoff, the incoming envoy to the Middle East under President-elect Donald Trump, has played a key role in advancing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

According to two Arab officials, Witkoff "shook" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the first meeting, more than current President Joe Biden had done since the war began on October 7 last year.

The “tense weekend meeting” was confirmed by Arab officials to The Times of Israel on Wednesday. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is on the verge of being signed.

Witkoff was in Doha last week to participate in hostage negotiations as they try to reach a ceasefire agreement before Trump's inauguration on January 20.

During the meeting, Witkoff urged Netanyahu to accept compromises necessary for the deal, two officials told The Times of Israel on Monday on condition of anonymity.

One of the main issues that has not yet been finalized is the exact parameters of the Israeli Army's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and mediators are awaiting Israel's plan.