Jared Kushner, former Middle East negotiator under President Trump, is informally advising the current administration on its upcoming Middle East trip. While not officially part of the delegation, he's heavily involved in discussions with Arab nations, particularly regarding expanding the Abraham Accords and securing economic agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
The Trump administration's top priority is to secure economic agreements to boost American investment. Alongside this, a more ambitious goal is to expand the Abraham Accords to include further normalization agreements between Arab nations and Israel. While a deal with Saudi Arabia is not expected immediately, the trip aims to make progress.
Kushner's expertise and established relationships in the region are considered crucial. However, his post-White House investment firm, Affinity Partners, which received funding from Gulf sovereign wealth funds, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
The recent Hamas attacks and the war in Gaza have significantly altered the dynamics. Saudi Arabia's stance on normalizing relations with Israel hinges on a Palestinian statehood pathway and a resolution to the Gaza conflict, which remain uncertain. Kushner believes there are proposals that could soften Saudi Arabia's stance.
Trump's Middle East trip includes a large delegation of cabinet secretaries and senior officials, including Steve Witkoff, the current Middle East envoy who Kushner has been advising. Witkoff expects announcements regarding an expansion of the Abraham Accords soon. Kushner, while not officially involved, plays a key behind-the-scenes advisory role to Witkoff and other officials.