Jared Kushner's Low-Profile Advising On Trump's Middle East Plans

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Kushner's Role in the "Deal of the Century"

The "Deal of the Century," formally titled "Peace to Prosperity," was a proposed peace plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict unveiled by the Trump administration in 2020. This ambitious initiative, largely spearheaded by Jared Kushner, aimed to resolve the decades-long conflict through a comprehensive framework addressing territorial boundaries, security concerns, and economic development. Kushner's involvement was extensive, going far beyond a typical advisor's role. He engaged in numerous behind-the-scenes negotiations, traveling extensively and holding private meetings with key players.

• Key players Kushner consulted with: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, regional leaders from Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab states.
• Specific aspects of the plan Kushner is believed to have shaped: The economic aspects of the plan, focusing on investment and development opportunities for Palestinians; the proposed map outlining potential territorial adjustments; the security arrangements between Israel and a future Palestinian state.
• Criticisms and controversies surrounding the plan and Kushner's role: The plan was widely criticized by Palestinians for its perceived bias towards Israel, particularly concerning the issue of Jerusalem and Palestinian statehood. Kushner's lack of prior diplomatic experience was also a subject of debate.

Kushner's Relationships with Key Middle Eastern Leaders

Kushner cultivated close relationships with several prominent figures in the Middle East, leveraging these connections to advance Trump's foreign policy goals. His personal rapport with figures like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Prime Minister Netanyahu proved instrumental in shaping the administration's approach to the region. These relationships, while controversial in some cases, provided Kushner with unique access and insights.

• Examples of meetings and private discussions: Numerous private meetings with MBS, Netanyahu, and other leaders, often away from public scrutiny, facilitated direct communication and helped bridge divides.
• Analysis of the influence these relationships had on decision-making: These relationships allowed Kushner to bypass traditional diplomatic channels, enabling swift decision-making and quick implementation of policy initiatives.
• Assessment of the success or failure of these diplomatic efforts: While some efforts, like the Abraham Accords, were considered successes, others, such as the "Deal of the Century," faced significant resistance and ultimately failed to achieve their primary goals.

The Abraham Accords and Kushner's Contribution

The Abraham Accords, brokered in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. Kushner played a pivotal role in these landmark agreements, actively participating in secret negotiations and employing unique diplomatic strategies to secure the participation of all parties involved.

• Specific countries involved and the nature of their agreements: Each agreement involved bilateral normalization, including opening embassies, increased trade and cultural exchange, and cooperation in areas such as technology and tourism.
• Kushner's negotiation strategies and tactics: Kushner reportedly employed a flexible, non-traditional approach, emphasizing mutual benefits and prioritizing tangible results over broader ideological issues.
• Long-term implications and challenges of the accords: The long-term impact of the accords remains to be seen. While they represent a significant shift in regional dynamics, challenges still persist, including the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Analysis of Kushner's Low-Profile Approach and its Effectiveness

Kushner's low-profile approach, characterized by behind-the-scenes negotiations and private diplomacy, proved to be both beneficial and detrimental. While it enabled swift action and fostered direct communication, it also lacked transparency and raised concerns about accountability.

• Arguments for the effectiveness of his quiet influence: The success of the Abraham Accords, achieved through quiet diplomacy, suggests that his approach can yield significant results in complex situations.
• Arguments against his approach and the potential drawbacks: The lack of transparency undermined public trust, and the exclusion of traditional diplomatic channels potentially overlooked vital perspectives and concerns.
• Comparison to more traditional diplomatic approaches: Compared to traditional, multilateral approaches, Kushner's method prioritized speed and efficiency, sometimes at the cost of inclusivity and broader consensus-building.

Conclusion: Evaluating Jared Kushner's Legacy in Middle East Diplomacy

Jared Kushner's involvement in Trump's Middle East policies was marked by a unique low-profile approach, characterized by personal diplomacy and unconventional strategies. While his efforts yielded notable achievements like the Abraham Accords, his initiatives also faced considerable criticism and ultimately fell short of resolving the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His legacy remains a complex and multifaceted issue, prompting continued debate about the effectiveness of his methods and their long-term implications. To further understand Jared Kushner's influence on Trump's Middle East policies, it's essential to explore diverse perspectives and examine the various sources and analyses available on this significant period of Middle Eastern history.