Kushner's Behind-the-Scenes Influence On Trump's Middle East Policy

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Kushner's Role and Relationship with Trump

Jared Kushner's influence stemmed directly from his close personal relationship with President Trump. Appointed as Senior Advisor despite lacking prior experience in foreign policy or diplomacy, Kushner enjoyed unparalleled access and influence within the administration. This unique position allowed him to circumvent traditional diplomatic channels and directly shape key decisions regarding Middle East policy.

• Direct Access to Trump: Kushner possessed a level of access to the President unavailable to other advisors, enabling him to directly advocate for his policy preferences.
• Involvement in Key Decision-Making Processes: He was integral to the development and execution of crucial policy initiatives related to the region.
• Bypassing Traditional Diplomatic Channels: This unconventional approach often bypassed established bureaucratic processes and State Department protocols, leading to both praise and criticism.

The Abraham Accords and Kushner's Involvement

Kushner played a central role in brokering the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. This diplomatic breakthrough, largely orchestrated through secret meetings and back-channel diplomacy, redefined the regional landscape.

• Secret Meetings and Back-Channel Diplomacy: Kushner employed discreet negotiations and personal relationships to overcome long-standing obstacles to peace.
• Economic Incentives: Financial inducements and promises of technological cooperation were leveraged to incentivize participation.
• Personal Relationships with Key Leaders: Kushner cultivated strong relationships with key leaders in the involved nations, facilitating trust and cooperation.
• Long-Term Implications: While celebrated by some as a significant diplomatic achievement, others question the long-term sustainability and impact of the Accords on the broader Arab-Israeli conflict. The Accords, while significant, did not address the core issues of the Palestinian conflict.

Kushner's Approach to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Kushner's attempt to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict culminated in the "Deal of the Century," a comprehensive peace plan presented in 2020. However, the plan was widely criticized and ultimately failed to gain traction with either Israelis or Palestinians.

• Key Proposals: The plan included proposals on territorial boundaries, Jerusalem, and the status of Palestinian refugees, but it heavily favored Israeli interests.
• Reasons for Failure: The plan was viewed as heavily biased towards Israel, ignoring key Palestinian demands and failing to address core issues of the conflict. This lack of Palestinian buy-in led to its ultimate failure.
• Alternative Approaches: The plan rejected alternative approaches that might have considered greater Palestinian autonomy and a two-state solution.
• Lasting Impact: Kushner’s approach deepened existing divisions and arguably set back the peace process, leaving a lasting negative impact on the prospects for a resolution.

Assessment of Kushner's Influence and Legacy

Kushner's impact on US Middle East policy is complex and multifaceted. While the Abraham Accords represent a significant achievement in regional diplomacy, his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict drew considerable criticism and contributed to the continued stalemate.

• Positive Contributions: The Abraham Accords fostered unprecedented cooperation between Israel and several Arab nations, improving regional stability in certain areas.
• Negative Consequences: His handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly the "Deal of the Century," was widely condemned for its perceived bias and failure to address core issues.
• Kushner's Legacy: His legacy remains controversial, highlighting the potential pitfalls of unconventional diplomacy and the inherent complexities of the Middle East peace process.
• Future Trajectory: The long-term effects of Kushner's actions continue to unfold, shaping the future trajectory of US relations in the Middle East.

Conclusion

Jared Kushner's influence on Trump's Middle East policy was significant, yet undeniably controversial. His involvement, marked by both the success of the Abraham Accords and the failure of the "Deal of the Century," left a lasting impact on the region. Understanding Kushner's Middle East policy influence requires careful consideration of his unconventional approach, his close relationship with the President, and the long-term consequences of his actions. To further explore this complex subject and form your own informed opinions, we encourage you to delve deeper into the available resources and research on Kushner's Middle East policy and its implications for the region's future. Numerous academic articles, news reports, and analyses can provide a more comprehensive understanding of this fascinating and important topic.