Kushner's Behind-the-Scenes Advice For Trump's Middle East Visit

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Kushner's Role and Relationship with Trump

Jared Kushner's close relationship with President Trump granted him unparalleled access and influence within the White House. This unique position allowed him to shape the administration's foreign policy agenda, particularly concerning the Middle East, where his advice directly impacted key decision-making processes during Trump's visits.

Kushner's background—a successful real estate developer with a family deeply involved in business and philanthropy—provided a different lens compared to traditional diplomats. While lacking extensive experience in international relations, his familiarity with high-stakes negotiations and his close bond with Trump allowed him to shape the President's approach to Middle Eastern diplomacy.

• Direct access to Trump: Kushner's close relationship ensured his advice was directly conveyed to and considered by the President, leading to significant input on policy decisions regarding the Middle East.
• Understanding Trump's negotiating style: Kushner's understanding of Trump's negotiating style—often characterized by deal-making and a focus on immediate results—likely shaped his approach to Middle East peace negotiations.
• Absence of traditional diplomatic experience: This lack of conventional diplomatic background potentially influenced the strategies and approaches Kushner advocated, sometimes leading to departures from established norms in foreign policy.

Key Policy Initiatives Shaped by Kushner's Advice

Several key policy initiatives during Trump's Middle East visits were directly influenced by Kushner's advice. Central to this was the "Deal of the Century," a peace plan Kushner spearheaded. This initiative aimed to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a comprehensive agreement. Kushner’s involvement extended beyond simply drafting the plan; it included extensive diplomatic efforts to negotiate its acceptance with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

• Meetings and discussions: Kushner participated in numerous meetings and discussions with Israeli and Palestinian leaders during Trump's visits, shaping the agenda and influencing the direction of negotiations.
• Negotiations with Israeli and Palestinian leaders: Kushner played a pivotal role in negotiating with key figures on both sides, striving to find common ground and compromise.
• Assessment of initiatives: The success or failure of initiatives stemming from Kushner’s advice remains a subject of ongoing debate, with varied assessments from different perspectives within the political spectrum and within the affected populations themselves.

Impact on US Relations with Israel and Palestine

Trump's visits to the Middle East, significantly influenced by Kushner's advice, had a profound impact on US relationships with both Israel and Palestine. The administration's actions, often viewed as pro-Israel, shifted the dynamics of the region and ignited controversies.

• US-Israel relations: The Trump administration, under Kushner's influence, increased military and financial aid to Israel and adopted a more sympathetic stance towards Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
• US-Palestine relations: Conversely, the Palestinian perspective on Kushner's involvement and the "Deal of the Century" was largely negative, viewing it as heavily biased towards Israeli interests and failing to address key Palestinian concerns.
• Shift in US policy: The shift in US policy on settlements and other sensitive issues significantly impacted the peace process, exacerbating existing tensions and creating new challenges for future negotiations.

Criticism and Controversies Surrounding Kushner's Role

Kushner's prominent role in shaping Middle East policy attracted significant criticism and controversy. Concerns arose regarding potential conflicts of interest given his family's business dealings and his lack of prior experience in international affairs.

• Political commentary: Numerous political commentators and experts criticized Kushner's influence, questioning the transparency and effectiveness of his approach.
• Legal and ethical challenges: Concerns regarding potential legal and ethical breaches related to Kushner's actions also emerged.
• Impact on credibility: The controversies surrounding Kushner's role undoubtedly impacted his credibility and the effectiveness of his diplomatic efforts.

Conclusion

Jared Kushner’s influence on Trump's Middle East policy was undeniable, shaping key decisions and initiatives through his behind-the-scenes advice. His unique relationship with the President, combined with his approach to negotiations, significantly impacted US relations with Israel and Palestine. While some viewed his initiatives as attempts to broker a lasting peace, others criticized his methods and the perceived pro-Israel bias. The legacy of Kushner's involvement continues to be debated, highlighting the lasting impact of his advice on this complex and sensitive geopolitical landscape.

Call to Action: To gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics and lasting effects of Kushner's influence on this pivotal period in Middle East relations, further research into the specifics of the "Deal of the Century" and related diplomatic efforts is strongly recommended. Continue exploring the multifaceted impact of Kushner's behind-the-scenes advice on Trump’s Middle East visits and their lasting legacy on foreign policy.