Scoop: Kushner expected to meet Netanyahu and Gantz on Israel trip

Kushner's visit is expected to come amid efforts in Israel to form a new government following last month's election.

• He will arrive several days after the Netanyahu’s mandate for forming a government expires on Oct. 23.
• Assuming Netanyahu fails, as expected, Kushner's visit will likely come after the mandate has passed to Gantz.

Kushner, a senior adviser to President Trump, will arrive in Israel with deputy assistant to the president Avi Berkowitz and Iran envoy Brian Hook.

• Israeli officials tell me they think the purpose of his visit is mainly to check the pulse on both Gantz and Netanyahu and get a first hand impression of the political dynamics in Israel.

• It's unclear how much the long-awaited White House peace plan will be discussed during Kushner’s visit. White House officials have said they'll wait for the formation of a new government before deciding whether to publish the plan.
• The current political turmoil in Israel and the likelihood of yet another election soon make the White House even more cautious about the possible launch of the peace plan.