On Tuesday, November 12, President-elect Trump (Donald Trump) announced that he would appoint real estate tycoon Steve Witkoff as the special envoy for Middle East affairs in the United States government.
Trump stated in a press release that Witkoff is a highly respected business and charity leader, and that every project and community he has been involved in has become stronger and more prosperous.
“Witkoff will steadfastly advocate for peace, a trait that we can all be proud of,” the statement said.
This appointment may hold significant importance for the Trump administration due to the ongoing direct conflict between Israel and Hamas.
During his first term, President Trump’s first official overseas visit was to the Middle East, and his administration has put in considerable diplomatic efforts in the region.
Witkoff is a well-known donor and supporter of Trump’s campaign. When Trump faced a second attempted assassination at Mar-a-Lago, Witkoff was playing golf with him.
Reflecting on the scene of Trump being targeted, Witkoff said, “His first concern was for his friends and how they were doing. Seeing him like that was very inspiring.”
The Jerusalem Post reported that Witkoff has been a regular golf partner of Trump. Throughout the election period, Witkoff has been a channel of communication between Trump and the Jewish business community.
It is reported that Witkoff has no prior diplomatic or Middle East experience, but Trump’s previous appointments have not adhered to such standards either. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner also lacked such experience, yet during Trump’s first term, Kushner successfully brokered the Abraham Accords.