WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is actively mediating between Israel and Turkey, seeking to normalize relations that have been strained for years, according to a senior official involved in the Gaza Board of Peace initiative. The effort is predicated on continued progress in stabilizing the situation in Gaza, with the official stating, “As there is quiet and success on the Palestinian front, the barometer of relations with Turkey will improve.”
The official, speaking on background, indicated a belief that ties between Jerusalem and Ankara can be rehabilitated despite a prolonged period of discord. “There was a good history with Turkey, and the goal is to restore that past. It is not lost,” they said. A key point of contention for Turkey, the official explained, centers on the Palestinian issue and the situation in Gaza. “What most disturbs the Turks — what frightens and angers them — is the Palestinian issue and Gaza. The calmer the situation, the greater the chance of restoring relations to normal, bringing back trade, returning ambassadors and reviving tourism.”
This diplomatic push comes as President Trump has publicly expressed a renewed trust in Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, signaling a potential shift in the U.S. Approach to the historically fraught relationship. In October 2025, Trump named Turkey as one of four guarantors of the ceasefire in Gaza, alongside Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, at the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit. The administration also views Turkey as a key player in Gaza’s reconstruction and stabilization efforts, potentially participating in an International Stabilization Force (ISF).
The U.S. Mediation extends beyond Turkey, with Washington also working to improve relations between Israel and Egypt and Jordan. The official highlighted positive engagement from Egypt’s intelligence chief, Hassan Rashad, as particularly encouraging, suggesting a potential for a “remarkably positive track” in the peace agreement with Egypt, including progress on a gas agreement. Potential improvements in relations with Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are also seen as linked to success in Gaza, described as having a “butterfly effect” that could address broader diplomatic challenges and reverse a period of “diplomatic spiraling.”
The potential for improved relations extends further afield, with officials noting Kazakhstan’s interest in elevating ties with Israel and Indonesia’s deployment of 8,000 troops to the ISF in Gaza, with the possibility of sending more. A significant condition for further progress, according to the official, is the voluntary disbandment of Hamas. “If Hamas disbands voluntarily, it will be very difficult to stop this speeding train,” they stated.
Recent diplomatic interactions in Washington suggest a thawing of relations. At a reception marking the first convening of the Gaza Board of Peace, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar engaged in “substantive and positive” conversations with foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim countries that do not currently maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, including handshakes described as “natural.”
Despite these positive developments, the success of these efforts remains contingent on continued stability in Gaza and overcoming potential obstacles, including reported Israeli resistance to a significant Turkish role in the ISF.
