Whitkoff, who has served as former US President Donald Trump’s chief envoy in Gaza ceasefire talks since the start of his term, operates as a “special government employee,” a classification that limits appointments to about 130 days, though renewal is possible based on expected future service.

However, Whitkoff is preparing to leave by the end of the year, according to an official, especially with a breakthrough in the Gaza war nearing, after Trump announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to the latest US proposal and mediators are awaiting Hamas’s response.

The official added that “people in [Whitkoff’s] office are already looking for the next step,” and if a Gaza deal is reached in particular, the envoy will “gracefully withdraw.”

On Monday evening, the White House released the “Trump plan” to end the Gaza conflict, which includes several provisions. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces in exchange for the release of all hostages, followed by the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The plan includes comprehensive reconstruction of infrastructure and hospitals with international support, and Gaza would be subject to a temporary transitional government through a non-political Palestinian technocratic committee responsible for managing public services and municipalities. The committee consists of qualified Palestinians and international experts, supervised by the international “Peace Council” chaired by Trump and other leaders, with an international stabilization force overseeing security and disarmament of factions.

It also calls for amnesty for Hamas members willing to disarm or leave, and prohibits the movement and other factions from participating in governance. The plan paves the way for Gaza’s economic reconstruction and transformation into a safe and prosperous area, potentially leading to a path toward Palestinian self-determination.

Source: “Times of Israel” + RT