Back In the Game? Jared Kushner as a Strategist in Middle Eastern Diplomacy

Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, played a pivotal role in securing peace agreements between Israel and four Arab nations—the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. He also helped mediate the Saudi Arabia-Qatar dispute, significantly reshaping Middle Eastern relations.

In 2019, Kushner led the "Peace to Prosperity" summit in Bahrain, promoting economic cooperation as a foundation for peace, though the initiative faced Palestinian opposition.

A Vision for Gaza’s Future

In a 2024 Harvard interview, Kushner emphasized Gaza’s economic potential, proposing U.S. leadership in its redevelopment as the "Riviera of the Middle East." If a third-country relocation of Gaza’s population occurs, it would be a historical irony—the two key achievements of Netanyahu’s career would, in fact, be driven by a younger statesman.

Kushner has remained active in Middle Eastern finance, securing a $1.5 billion investment from Qatar’s sovereign fund and working on a Trump hotel project in Belgrade with Eric Trump.

Kushner distanced himself from Trump’s 2024 campaign, particularly after the January 6 riots, but has re-emerged as a key diplomatic figure. Criticism of his 2020 campaign strategy, which emphasized rallies over election integrity efforts, led some to question his alignment with Trump’s vision.

Despite past challenges, Kushner’s strategic thinking, trust among Middle Eastern leaders, and U.S. support keep him central to regional policy. Partnering with Steve Witkoff and potentially bringing back Avi Berkowitz positions him as a key architect of economic and diplomatic initiatives.

Unlike others, Kushner has resisted Qatari financial influence, standing firm in advancing macroeconomic reforms despite elite opposition. Henry Kissinger has praised Trump’s Middle East policy as "brilliant," reinforcing Kushner’s significance in shaping the region’s future.

One thing is certain—this quiet visionary has already made a lasting impact. The question remains: what more lies ahead?