For Netanyahu, a second Trump term promises a renewed alignment on Middle Eastern policy, but the incoming president also has strong relations with Saudi-Arabia, the Abraham accords have to be implemented.
CNN November 15, 2024 Jared Kushner expected to be pivotal to Trump admin’s Middle East efforts without taking a formal job
Both Kushner and Trump would like to see a continuation of efforts to normalize relations between Israel and other Arab states following the Abraham Accords, a pact which normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates during Trump’s first term – an effort made much more complicated given the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Kushner has also maintained relationships with key players in the Middle East, including Israeli officials and leaders in the Arab Gulf. In particular, he has remained in contact with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto leader.
Trump spoke last week with bin Salman following his election victory. It was his second call to the region following his conversation with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an indication that he will prioritize the US-Saudi relationship.
Both Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who Trump picked as the next ambassador to Israel, and Steve Witkoff, who will lead the overall regional efforts, come to the job with relationships of their own.
Yet how they work together – and with Kushner – remains an open question.
