US President Donald Trump's senior advisor and Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said at the main reception marking Israel's 77th Independence Day at the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday, “very soon, we expect to hear many announcements related to the expansion of the Abraham Accords.”
His remarks come just days before Trump’s scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar next week.
In his speech at the reception, Witkoff declared, “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.” In a conversation with reporters at the event, he added that there had been some progress in the nuclear talks between the US and Iran. “I hope we’re moving in the right direction,” Witkoff said. “The President has stated his desire to resolve this issue diplomatically if possible, and we are working toward an agreement. Efforts are now underway to coordinate a fourth round of talks.”
Regarding the negotiations for a hostage deal, Trump’s envoy expressed hope for progress on the matter and mentioned that he is in frequent contact with the mediators—Egypt and Qatar—as well as with Israel, “almost daily.”
He added, “Our celebration is bittersweet because 59 hostages are still being held by Hamas. I remember when the female soldiers were released, and I sang ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ with them. I thought that was the most emotional moment of my life. On behalf of President Trump, I tell you—we are working and hoping that next Independence Day will not just be a wish for joy but a joyful reality.”
Witkoff concluded his speech by emphasizing that Israel’s strength lies in its unity. “I call on Israelis to choose unity over division, vision over discord. When that becomes the choice, Israel’s future will be bright.”
Israel's Ambassador to the US says 'Israel is a miracle'
Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Michael (Yechiel) Leiter, also spoke at the event and said that “The State of Israel is a miracle. After more than two thousand years, not only have we returned to our historic homeland and established a strong, sovereign state—not only have we regained the ability to defend ourselves—but in this war, alongside the United States, Israel stands at the forefront of the global fight against evil. We now have a historic opportunity to reshape the Middle East and bring greater stability and security to the entire world.”