Netanyahu to Witkoff: Iran cannot be trusted

TT

Updated 20.44 | Published 13.29

 

US envoy Steve Witkoff, here at the White House last week. Photo: Allison Robbert/AP/TT

US diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff has met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem ahead of an upcoming meeting with Iran.

Top on the agenda was the state of negotiations with Iran and the announced second phase of the US-brokered plan for the future of the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu emphasized at the meeting that "Iran has proven time and again that their promises cannot be trusted," according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

He also reportedly said that Israel will not allow the Palestinian Authority, which currently governs the occupied West Bank, to be part of the government in Gaza.

According to US media reports, Witkoff, selected by US President Donald Trump to negotiate in several of the world's most difficult crises, is to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Turkey on Friday.

The talks have not been officially confirmed, but White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Tuesday that the schedule for them is currently being negotiated.

- The president, of course, always has different options on the table, including the use of military force, she added.

Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir was visiting the US this weekend for meetings, in a situation where Trump has strengthened the military around Iran.