Global News Podcast – The Global Story: Russia and Israel Put Witkoff's Diplomacy to the Test

BBC World Service | Aired: September 14, 2025
Hosts: Asma Khalid & Tristan Redman
Guest Expert: Tom Bateman (BBC State Department Correspondent)
Main Focus:
An in-depth look at Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s handpicked envoy, and his unconventional approach to high-stakes diplomacy as Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza conflicts escalate, challenging both US foreign policy goals and global security.

Episode Overview

The episode examines the shifting world order, spotlighting how Donald Trump’s personal pick for orchestrating peace—Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer with no diplomatic experience—has handled the mounting crises in Ukraine and Gaza. As both conflicts reach dangerous tipping points, the hosts and Tom Bateman consider whether Witkoff’s close relationship with Trump and his unorthodox methods represent an asset or a liability for US foreign policy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Steve Witkoff’s Origins and Trump Connection

• Background:
  Witkoff built a real estate empire in New York, inspired by and befriending Donald Trump in the 1980s.

  • “Steve Witkoff is a 68 year old who made his fortune, an empire in the New York real estate world… very close friendship [with] Donald Trump goes back many decades.” (Tom Bateman, 04:20)

• The Ham-and-Swiss Deli Story:
  Their friendship traces to a moment when Witkoff bought Trump a sandwich, symbolizing their trust and starting point.

  • “I ordered him a ham and Swiss. That appeared… encapsulated and started this friendship of trust.” (Tom Bateman, 04:58)

• Personal Loyalty:
  Witkoff’s loyalty was cemented when Trump comforted him after his son’s death.

  • “When I lost my boy Andrew to an opioid overdose… Donald Trump showed up.” (Steve Witkoff, 06:24)
  • “I have seen his humanity in the quiet moments away from the spotlight.” (Steve Witkoff, 06:52)

2. Witkoff’s Rise: From Trump Donor to ‘Envoy for Everything’

• Political Loyalty:
  Supported Trump through major setbacks, including the Capitol attack and assassination attempts.

  • “Steve Witkoff stuck by him… [He] is an absolutely critical figure throughout that period.” (Tom Bateman, 08:14)

• Assassination Attempt:
  Witkoff was present during the 2024 golf course shooting.

  • “I have a little love thing for my dear friend… thank God that he was not injured or killed…” (Steve Witkoff, 09:56)

• Appointment as Envoy:
  Witkoff’s diplomatic role began on a whim at a golf lunch.

  • “According to Lindsey Graham, Donald Trump says, ‘yeah, whatever you want, Steve.’” (Tom Bateman, 10:59)

3. Early Diplomatic Successes and Methods

• Brokered Gaza Ceasefire:
  Praised by both outgoing and incoming administrations for helping broker a temporary Israel-Gaza ceasefire during the transition.

  • “They were effusive in their praise… frankly, there’s not a whole lot that you heard from the Biden administration… praising the incoming Trump folks.” (Asma Khalid, 11:16)

• Unorthodox Approaches:
  Broke diplomatic protocol by meeting Netanyahu during Shabbat:

  • “Steve Wyckoff put his foot down and basically said, well, we’re here to see you and force that meeting.” (Tom Bateman, 12:24)

4. Diplomatic Style—Disarming but Inexperienced

• Impressions from the Field:
  Pleasant and business-minded, yet deferring to seasoned diplomats.

  • “He’s clearly very bright and he’s quite disarming… but he didn’t feel like the kind of key player among them.” (Tom Bateman, 13:32)
  • “It was positive, upbeat, constructive. We couldn’t have imagined a better result.” (Steve Witkoff, 13:53)

• Reliance on Personal Networks:
  Relies on presidential trust rather than State Department structures.

5. Controversies and Escalating Criticism

• Expanding Mission, Risky Tactics:
  Witkoff began jetting privately, meeting Putin without secure lines or interpreters—diplomatic red flags.

  • “Flying in his own private plane… no secure government communications… meeting Vladimir Putin without an official State Department interpreter…” (Tom Bateman, 18:04)

• High-Profile Podcast with Tucker Carlson:
  Lavished praise on Putin and mirrored Kremlin talking points—drawing bipartisan alarm.

  • “He was calling him a great guy. He was super smart…” (Tom Bateman, 19:51)
  • “There have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule.” (Steve Witkoff, 20:38)

6. Miscommunications and the Alaska Summit

• Breakdown Over Ukraine:
  A key summit between Trump and Putin was set up based on Witkoff’s misinterpretation of Russian intentions.

  • “Steve Wyckoff told them… Putin was prepared to withdraw from Zaporizhzhia and Kherson… turns out that was wrong by the next day…” (Tom Bateman, 22:08)
  • “According to the European accounts, clearly there was a change in interpretation in the course of 24 hours by the administration…” (Tom Bateman, 23:35)

• No Lasting Results:
  US media and global observers left confused as to real progress.

  • “You had this hugely visual moment… but… nothing has changed. And in the end, who’s the winner of that? It would seem… Vladimir Putin.” (Tom Bateman, 24:14)

7. Was Breaking with Convention a Mistake?

• Trump’s Trust in Witkoff:
  Trump values Witkoff as a channel “untainted by veteran foreign policy experts…”

  • “Trump believes he is getting the unvarnished position… untainted by… political ambitions.” (Tom Bateman, 26:02)

• Critics’ View:
  Nine months in, no breakthroughs in either conflict despite unconventional methods:

  • “...the evidence is they haven’t been able to get the breakthroughs on those two key areas…” (Tom Bateman, 26:36)

8. Escalating Risks and the Limits of Unorthodoxy

• Recent Escalations:

  • Israel strikes in Qatar derailing Gaza negotiations.
  • Russian drone incursions pushing Poland toward conflict, testing NATO.

• Risk of Worsening Instability:

  • “If you try a peace process in a way that hasn’t been tried before, there is always the risk you can make things potentially worse…” (Tom Bateman, 28:39)
  • “We are inching a bit closer towards that moment. And… that is a big risk for Europe and global security.” (Tom Bateman, 28:58)

• The Looming Question:

  • Will Trump blame Witkoff if diplomacy fails, or will he blame US allies?
  • “Everything we’ve talked about about the reason he appointed Steve Wyckoff to this role, I think means that he won’t do [blame Steve]. He’s much more likely to point the finger at one of the sides involved…” (Tom Bateman, 30:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“I have seen his humanity in the quiet moments away from the spotlight.”
— Steve Witkoff, discussing Donald Trump (06:52)

“Steve Wyckoff put his foot down and basically said, well, we’re here to see you and force that meeting.”
— Tom Bateman on Gaza ceasefire negotiations (12:24)

“He’s a super smart guy. Okay. You don’t want to give him the credit for it. That’s okay. I give him the credit.”
— Steve Witkoff, about Putin (19:51)

“If you try a peace process in a way that hasn’t been tried before, there is always the risk you can make things potentially worse…”
— Tom Bateman (28:39)

Important Timestamps

• Witkoff’s Trump Relationship & Personal Loyalty: 04:20–08:14
• Assassination Attempt Golf Course Story: 08:24–10:22
• Appointment as Middle East Envoy: 10:30–11:16
• Gaza Ceasefire Story: 11:16–12:50
• Diplomatic Impressions in Riyadh: 13:02–13:58
• Rising Diplomatic Controversy: 18:04–19:56
• Tucker Carlson Podcast Fallout: 19:18–20:46
• Ukraine Miscommunication & Alaska Summit: 21:38–24:14
• Was Unorthodoxy a Mistake?: 25:39–26:36
• Polish Airspace Escalation & Risks: 28:07–28:58
• Who Gets Blamed if it All Fails?: 30:19–30:24

Conclusion

Takeaway:
Steve Witkoff’s journey from Trump’s real estate confidant to international dealmaker highlights both the gamble and the pitfalls of bypassing diplomatic convention. Trusted by Trump for his loyalty and devoid of bureaucratic baggage, Witkoff’s approach—bold, informal, at times naive—has yielded both fleeting breakthroughs and dangerous misunderstandings. As war threatens to escalate in both Europe and the Middle East, his story becomes a case study in the perils and promise of personal diplomacy amidst unprecedented global volatility.

Final thought:
In a rapidly changing world, the question persists: Is breaking with tradition a path to peace, or does it fuel greater instability? The fate of two major wars—and perhaps the credibility of American diplomacy—hangs in the balance.