The Times of Israel: Whitcomb May Resign as Trump's Special Representative
Steve Whitcomb (photo)
The Times of Israel cited a U.S. official who is familiar with the situation, stating that U.S. special representative Steve Whitcomb may resign from his position as special representative to President Donald Trump by the end of 2025.
The media noted that Whitcomb currently holds a "senior government official" position, which has a term of approximately 130 days. However, The Times of Israel added that this term could be extended depending on future work plans.
But this official said that Whitcomb is preparing to step down by the end of the year, especially considering that a solution to the conflict in Gaza seems to be approaching a breakthrough.
The official also mentioned that "staff in Whitcomb's office have been waiting for further arrangements," and if an agreement related to Gaza is signed, this special representative will "resign gracefully."
On September 29, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. This was the fourth visit by the Israeli leader to the United States in 2025.
The Times of Israel pointed out that one of the core issues in the U.S.-Israel negotiations is a 21-point solution to the Gaza conflict proposed by the United States. The main author of this plan is Whitcomb, but it also incorporates suggestions from other participants in the negotiation process.
Steve Whitcomb is 68 years old. In November 2024, after Trump won the presidential election, Whitcomb and former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler jointly served as co-chairmen of Trump's transition committee.
Additionally, Trump announced that he would appoint Whitcomb as his special envoy for Middle East affairs. Although Whitcomb has not received formal diplomatic education and is not a well-known figure in the field of Middle East negotiations, Trump stated that Whitcomb would become "a strong voice for peace and make everyone proud."
David Friedman, the former U.S. ambassador to Israel, believes that Whitcomb "deeply understands Israel, knows its strategic significance to the United States, and its potential to bring greater stability and prosperity to the Middle East."
Russian Business Consultancy News (RBC) noted that it is worth mentioning that the rapid conclusion of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement is mainly due to Whitcomb's efforts. Furthermore, after Trump took office, he also invited Whitcomb to participate in mediation efforts regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7555717915367014931/
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