Unseen Hand: Kushner's Advice Shapes Trump's Middle East Strategy

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Kushner's Background and Relationship with Trump

Understanding Kushner's influence requires examining his background and unique relationship with President Trump. Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, lacked traditional diplomatic experience, a fact that fueled much criticism of his appointment as a senior advisor with unprecedented access to the President. His family's extensive business dealings and his close personal relationship with Trump granted him a level of influence rarely seen in presidential administrations.

• Family connections and business dealings: Kushner's family's real estate empire and business interests created both opportunities and potential conflicts of interest regarding his role in shaping foreign policy.
• Close personal relationship with Trump: This intimate relationship provided Kushner with unparalleled access to the President, allowing him to directly shape policy discussions and decisions related to the Middle East.
• Lack of traditional diplomatic credentials: Kushner’s lack of experience in international relations and diplomacy raised concerns about his qualifications for such a crucial role. This lack of experience was often cited by critics as a potential weakness in his approach.

Key Elements of Kushner's Middle East Strategy

Kushner's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict centered around his "Deal of the Century," a plan that aimed to resolve the long-standing dispute. The plan focused heavily on economic incentives for Palestinians, emphasizing normalization of relations with Israel and offering a limited vision of Palestinian statehood.

• Economic incentives for Palestinians: The plan proposed substantial financial investment in the Palestinian territories, aiming to stimulate economic growth and improve living standards.
• Focus on normalization with Israel: A key component of the strategy was encouraging Arab nations to normalize relations with Israel, bypassing the traditional focus on a two-state solution.
• Limited Palestinian statehood proposals: The plan proposed a significantly reduced Palestinian state, falling far short of the demands made by the Palestinian Authority.
• Criticism of the plan's one-sidedness: The "Deal of the Century" drew widespread criticism for its perceived bias towards Israel, with many arguing it failed to adequately address core Palestinian concerns. This perceived imbalance fueled significant opposition to the plan.

Reactions and International Responses to Kushner's Plan

The international community responded to Kushner's plan with a mix of support and strong opposition. The Palestinian Authority outright rejected the proposal, citing its inadequacy in addressing fundamental issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Arab League nations expressed mixed reactions, with some showing cautious support, while others echoed the Palestinian Authority's rejection. Certain Gulf states, however, showed support, reflecting evolving regional dynamics. The UN and EU expressed considerable criticism, highlighting concerns about the plan's fairness and viability.

• Palestinian Authority's rejection: The PA saw the plan as a betrayal of their aspirations for a fully independent state.
• Reactions from Arab League nations: Support varied widely, reflecting the diversity of opinions and interests within the Arab world.
• Support from certain Gulf states: Some Gulf states, particularly those with existing close ties to Israel, showed a greater willingness to consider elements of the plan.
• Criticism from the UN and EU: International organizations expressed concerns that the plan was not conducive to lasting peace.

Long-Term Impact and Legacy of Kushner's Influence

Kushner's approach has left a lasting, albeit controversial, mark on the Middle East. While some argue that his focus on economic incentives and normalization efforts presented a novel approach, others criticize his strategy for exacerbating existing tensions and undermining the prospects for a lasting peace agreement. The long-term consequences of his influence remain uncertain, with potential for renewed violence or, perhaps, unforeseen shifts in regional alliances.

• Increased tensions in the region: The plan arguably intensified divisions between Israelis and Palestinians.
• Potential for renewed violence: The lack of a comprehensive solution increases the possibility of future conflict.
• Long-term consequences for the peace process: The plan's failure to achieve a breakthrough casts doubt on the future of peace negotiations.
• Shifts in regional alliances: Kushner's strategy may have contributed to shifting alliances and dynamics within the Middle East.

Conclusion: Assessing the Unseen Hand in the Middle East

Jared Kushner's influence on Trump's Middle East policy was substantial and far-reaching, even if often operating outside the traditional diplomatic channels. His "Deal of the Century," while ambitious, ultimately faced significant criticism for its perceived one-sidedness and lack of consideration for Palestinian concerns. The long-term impact of Kushner's Middle East strategy remains to be seen, but its legacy undeniably contributed to the ongoing complexities of the region. Further research into Kushner's impact on the Middle East is crucial for comprehending the ongoing challenges in the region and developing more effective approaches to lasting peace.