Israeli officials harshly critical of Steve Witkoff’s influence on US policy on Gaza, Iran – report January 18, 2026United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff visits Hostages square in Tel Aviv, January 30, 2025. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)(Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)Israeli officials harshly critical of Steve Witkoff’s influence on US policy on Gaza, Iran – report Tweet Join Group Join WhatsApp Group Email https://worldisraelnews.com/israeli-officials-harshly-critical-of-steve-witkoffs-influence-on-us-policy-on-gaza-iran-report/ Email Print This criticism relates both to the proposed inclusion of Turkey and Qatar in Gaza’s governing bodies and to the Iranian threat.By i24 News and AlgemeinerAmid growing disagreements with the Trump administration over the composition of the Board of Peace for Gaza and the question of a strike on Iran, officials in Israel point to a key figure behind decisions seen as running counter to Israeli interests: Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.The officials mention sustained dissatisfaction with Witkoff. Sources close to PM Netanyahu told i24NEWS on Saturday evening:“For several months now, the feeling has been that envoy Steve Witkoff has strong ties, for his own reasons, across the Middle East, and that at times the Israeli interest does not truly prevail in his decision-making.”This criticism relates both to the proposed inclusion of Turkey and Qatar in Gaza’s governing bodies and to the Iranian threat.A senior Israeli official put it bluntly: “If it turns out that he is among those blocking a strike on Iran, that is far more than a coincidence.” CeasefireGazasteve witkoff