Subtle Influence: Kushner's Impact On Trump's Middle East Policy

Rajiv Sharma

6 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, was appointed Senior Advisor to the President in 2017. His appointment, unusual given his lack of prior diplomatic experience, immediately sparked discussions about the extent of his influence. This article argues that Kushner’s influence, while often operating behind the scenes, was substantial and multifaceted, shaping key aspects of the Trump administration's approach to the Middle East. His actions, both overt and covert, have had lasting consequences for regional stability and international relations.

Kushner's Role in the Abraham Accords

Kushner played a central role in brokering the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. These landmark agreements, signed between 2020 and 2021, involved the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

Negotiating Peace Deals

Kushner's involvement in the Abraham Accords was multifaceted:

• Direct Negotiations: He engaged in numerous high-level meetings and phone calls with key players, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leaders from the participating Arab nations. His personal relationships proved crucial in overcoming significant obstacles to the agreements.
• Strategic Partnerships: Kushner leveraged existing and newly forged relationships to foster cooperation and build trust between historically adversarial nations.
• Economic Incentives: The Accords were also underpinned by promises of economic cooperation and investment, a factor that Kushner actively promoted.

These agreements significantly reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, altering long-standing alliances and power dynamics. The success of the Abraham Accords demonstrated the potential for alternative approaches to the Middle East peace process.

The Long-Term Impact of the Accords

The Abraham Accords' long-term consequences remain to be seen, but their immediate impacts are significant:

• Enhanced Regional Stability: Some argue the accords have contributed to a relative decrease in regional tensions.
• Increased Economic Cooperation: The agreements facilitated increased trade and investment between Israel and the participating Arab nations.
• Potential for Further Peace Agreements: The Accords have created a template for future normalization agreements with other Arab countries.

However, criticisms persist. Some argue that the accords sidelined the Palestinian issue, a critical aspect of a lasting Middle East peace. Others question the sustainability of the agreements, given the underlying tensions that remain in the region. The long-term impact of the Abraham Accords, therefore, requires ongoing analysis and assessment within the broader context of Middle East diplomacy.

Kushner's Approach to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Kushner's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was arguably his most ambitious, yet ultimately least successful, initiative.

The "Deal of the Century"

Kushner spearheaded the Trump administration's "Deal of the Century," a comprehensive peace plan unveiled in January 2020. Key aspects of the plan included:

• Economic Incentives: Significant financial investment in the Palestinian territories was a central component.
• Territorial Compromises: The plan proposed a modified two-state solution with territorial concessions from both sides.
• Security Arrangements: It addressed security concerns for Israel while aiming to establish a viable Palestinian state.

However, the "Deal of the Century" was widely rejected by the Palestinian leadership, who considered it heavily biased in favor of Israel and failing to address their core demands. The plan's failure to gain traction highlighted the complexities and deeply entrenched divisions within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Alternative Approaches and Criticisms

The failure of the "Deal of the Century" underscores the need for alternative approaches to resolving the conflict:

• Direct Negotiations: Resuming direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders remains a crucial element.
• International Mediation: The involvement of credible international actors can help bridge the gap between the two sides.
• Addressing Underlying Issues: Any successful peace plan must address the root causes of the conflict, including land disputes, refugee issues, and security concerns.

Criticisms of Kushner's approach centered on a perceived lack of engagement with the Palestinian perspective, and accusations that the plan was fundamentally unfair and unworkable. Many argued that his approach prioritized Israeli interests and failed to address the historical grievances and legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.

Kushner's Relationship with Key Players

Kushner cultivated relationships with key regional leaders, which significantly influenced policy decisions.

Building Relationships

Kushner's direct engagement with regional leaders was a distinctive aspect of his approach:

• MBS (Mohammed bin Salman): Kushner developed a close relationship with the Saudi Crown Prince, which facilitated cooperation on various initiatives.
• Netanyahu (Benjamin Netanyahu): His close relationship with the Israeli Prime Minister was instrumental in brokering the Abraham Accords.
• Other Regional Leaders: Kushner also cultivated ties with leaders from other countries in the region, facilitating dialogue and cooperation.

These personal relationships, while generating both praise for their effectiveness and criticism for their potential for conflict of interest, were undeniably central to Kushner’s influence.

Influence Peddling Allegations

Allegations of influence peddling and potential conflicts of interest have surrounded Kushner's actions. These claims require careful consideration:

• Family Business Interests: Some critics raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to Kushner family business dealings.
• Lack of Transparency: The lack of transparency surrounding certain decisions and negotiations fueled further scrutiny.
• Potential for Undue Influence: The nature of Kushner's close relationships with regional leaders raised concerns about potential undue influence on policy decisions.

While these allegations haven't been definitively proven, they highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in diplomatic processes.

Conclusion: Assessing Kushner's Legacy on Middle East Policy

Jared Kushner's tenure as Senior Advisor left a complex and lasting impact on Trump's Middle East policy. His involvement in the Abraham Accords represents a notable achievement, yet his "Deal of the Century" ultimately failed to achieve its stated goals. His close relationships with key regional leaders, while strategically valuable, also generated ethical concerns. The long-term implications of Kushner's actions remain to be fully understood. While some of his initiatives, like the Abraham Accords, yielded visible results, the overall effect of his influence on long-term regional stability and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process requires continued critical examination. Continue the conversation about Kushner's impact on Trump's Middle East policy by sharing your insights and exploring the extensive resources available on this complex subject.