60 Minutes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff's Extended 60 Minutes Interview
Oct 20, 2025
Jared Kushner, former White House advisor known for his role in Middle East diplomacy, and Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer who partnered on negotiations, share their insights on the Israel-Hamas deal. They discuss their unconventional, deal-driven diplomacy approach and the importance of humanizing adversaries in negotiations. The duo reveals how a pivotal Israeli strike influenced the talks and strategizes on rebuilding Gaza with a $50 billion plan. They highlight the emotional toll of hostage releases and envision a path to further regional stability.
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Pragmatic Realism Over Lectures
- Jared Kushner argues diplomacy succeeds by focusing on shared objectives and pragmatic realism rather than lecturing others.
- He credits trust-building and aligning interests as the core method behind their negotiation approach.
Doha Strike Sank Momentum
- Steve Witkoff recounts being in his home drafting proposals with Ron Dermer and Jared before the Doha strike disrupted talks.
- The Israeli strike shattered Qatari trust and drove Hamas underground, complicating mediation.
Strategic Framing Shifts Global Pressure
- The 20-point plan shifted global opinion, turning Israel from isolated to backed and then isolating Hamas.
- Public endorsement by Arab states pressured Hamas to negotiate and accept terms.