Israel, US at odds over Trump envoy's 'one-off' talks with Hamas

US envoy Adam Boehler’s media blitz added to the tensions with Israel over the Trump administration’s willingness to engage with Hamas.

Elizabeth Hagedorn
Elizabeth Hagedorn
US Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler speaks during a US hostage and wrongful detainee flag-raising ceremony at the State Department in Washington.
US Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler speaks during a US hostage and wrongful detainee flag-raising ceremony at the State Department in Washington, on March 6, 2025. — JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

WASHINGTON — The unprecedented direct negotiations between Hamas and the United States over the remaining hostages in Gaza have created rare friction between Israel and the Trump administration. 

Officials from both Israel and the United States are expected in Qatar this week for indirect talks with the Palestinian militant group, the most significant negotiations since President Donald Trump took office in January, and it comes after US special hostage envoy Adam Boehler's own talks with Hamas were confirmed last week. 

Speaking to reporters en route to Saudi Arabia on Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Boehler's endeavor as a "one-off situation" that "hasn’t borne fruit."

"Doesn’t mean he was wrong to try, but our primary vehicle for negotiations on this front will continue to be Mr. Witkoff and the work he’s doing through Qatar," Rubio said, referring to Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.

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