Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Jared Kushner and Nikolay Mladenov at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem to discuss the next stages of arrangements for Gaza. The talks focused on advancing the post-ceasefire framework connected to President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan and the broader Board of Peace roadmap. Herzog made clear that Israel’s security must remain at the center of any future arrangement affecting Gaza.

“The next stages in Gaza must ensure the security of the State of Israel and its citizens,” Herzog said, emphasizing the importance of protecting Israeli civilians as negotiations over Gaza’s future continue. He said he was impressed by the way the proposed plan places Israel’s security at the forefront while also seeking greater regional stability and a better future for the people of the region. His comments underscored the difficult balance between reconstruction and long-term security guarantees.

The meeting came after U.S. representatives held discussions with Hamas in Egypt regarding several major issues, including disarmament, the transfer of governance, and reconstruction. Those discussions are taking place against the backdrop of continuing Israeli concerns over whether Hamas will fully surrender its weapons and military capabilities. Israel has maintained that meaningful demilitarization is essential before major Israeli withdrawals or a broader transition can take place.

The future of Gaza’s security structure remains one of the most difficult questions surrounding the post-ceasefire period. Any agreement would have to address who governs the territory, how reconstruction is administered, what happens to Hamas’s weapons and military infrastructure, and how Israel can be protected from another cross-border attack. These issues have made security guarantees a central component of discussions involving Israel, the United States, and regional partners.

Herzog’s meeting with Kushner and Mladenov reflects the growing focus on turning the broader Gaza framework into concrete arrangements on the ground. While significant obstacles remain, negotiations over governance, disarmament, reconstruction, and regional security could determine whether the ceasefire develops into a more lasting political and security framework. For Israel, the key test will be whether any future Gaza arrangement can deliver lasting security while preventing Hamas or other armed groups from rebuilding their military capabilities.