The Times of Israel: Witkoff set to step down as Gaza ceasefire talks advance

Steve Witkoff, the United States’ special envoy to the Middle East, is expected to leave his post by the end of the year, a US official told The Times of Israel.

Witkoff has been serving as a key point person for President Donald Trump in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

Witkoff has held the position as a Special Government Employee, a designation that generally limits appointments to about 130 days, although renewals can be granted based on anticipated future service. With a breakthrough in the Gaza conflict appearing imminent — after Trump announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted the latest American proposal and mediators await Hamas’s response — Witkoff is reportedly preparing to “bow out gracefully.”

“People in [Witkoff’s] office are already looking for the next thing,” the official added.

On September 29, Trump hosted Netanyahu at the White House, marking the Israeli leader’s fourth visit to the United States this year. Central to the discussions was a 21-point plan proposed by the United States to resolve the Gaza conflict. The document was primarily drafted by Witkoff, though it incorporated elements from proposals submitted by other participants in the negotiation process.

Witkoff, 68, was appointed co-chair of Trump’s inaugural committee in November 2024, following the former president’s election victory, alongside former US Senator Kelly Loeffler. At the same time, Trump announced that Witkoff would serve as his special envoy for the Middle East. Despite having no formal diplomatic training and limited prior involvement in Middle East negotiations, Trump described Witkoff as an “uncompromising voice for peace” who would make “everyone proud.”

Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman praised Witkoff, saying he “has a deep understanding of Israel, its strategic importance to the United States, and its potential to ensure greater stability and prosperity in the Middle East.”

Witkoff is credited with facilitating the rapid conclusion of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. In addition to his work in Gaza, he has also been involved in efforts to mediate the conflict in Ukraine following Trump’s inauguration.

By Tamilla Hasanova