US President-elect Donald Trump has named his long-time friend and business partner Steve Witkoff as his special envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff, a successful New York developer, is known as a skilled negotiator in whom Trump has complete confidence. The decision to appoint him is associated with Trump’s desire to strengthen his position in the region and address the conflict from a business, rather than diplomatic, point of view.
Ynet writes about this.
Steve Witkoff, whose net worth is estimated at $500 million, made his money in real estate. His company owns properties in London, New York and Miami. Throughout his career, Witkoff has established himself as someone who can make deals where others have failed. His recent projects, including luxury clubs and penthouses in Florida, have gained him attention as one of the major players in the market.
Trump and Witkoff’s relationship dates back more than 40 years. They met in New York in 1986, when Witkoff was still working as a lawyer. During this time, their friendship experienced many things, including tragedy in the Witkoff family: the death of their son from an overdose in 2011.
“Trump has been there for me in my darkest moments,” Witkoff said in a recent speech.
Witkoff’s appointment is due to his successful business career and his loyalty to Trump, but also his ability to defuse conflicts. In the past, he played a mediating role between Trump and his political opponents, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and Brian Kemp.
Although Witkoff has no experience in diplomacy, his knowledge of the region and business connections could be key. Last year he sold the Park Lane hotel in Manhattan to a Qatari investment fund for $623 million, demonstrating his ability to work with different parties. He also actively interacted with the American Jewish community, helping to attract donations for Trump’s political campaign.
Trump views the conflict in the Middle East as a complex transaction that requires a pragmatic approach. Witkoff, an ardent supporter of Israel, shares this opinion. His negotiating style focuses on reaching compromises without undue pressure, making him an important figure in Trump’s attempt to strengthen his influence in the region.
It is not yet clear whether this will be enough to successfully resolve the conflict. However, it is clear that Witkoff, with direct access to Trump, will become a key figure in the US administration’s attempts to bring about change in the Middle East.
Previously, Kursor wrote that the United States and Israel threatened Hezbollah with harsh measures if the group does not meet their demands.
