Jared Kushner has taken a lead role in the US’s hardball negotiation for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. Kushner, as you probably know, is the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. His role in Middle Eastern diplomacy came into increased view during an incendiary meeting in the White House in August. Participant Tony Blair, this event served to showcase the immense untapped power he had been sitting on. Kushner is the author of almost two dozen books on the region. Perhaps more important, he has personally engaged with every major leader on the other side of the negotiating table, building rapport he thinks is crucial to building peace.
Together, Kushner had almost limitless authority in these negotiations. That’s exactly what Trump charged him with, giving him the ambitious goal of bringing together the often-colliding sides. Yet he deftly weaved his way through complex diplomatic waters. This culminated, among other things, with a private meeting between Trump and Arab leaders at the UN General Assembly. Kushner’s partner on this deal was Steve Witkoff. Together, they developed and field-tested a 20-point proposal to address the difficult and often convoluted intricacies of the Gaza conflict.
Along with his formal meeting agenda, Kushner’s reach went into personal diplomacy. He persuaded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deliver an apology note to Qatar’s Prime Minister following an Israeli airstrike on Doha. This clever act displayed his unusual talent for playing delicate diplomatic conversations off each other.
Kushner’s role included an unprecedented meeting between U.S. officials and Hamas, showcasing his willingness to engage with all parties involved. His family has deep ties with Netanyahu. Through his father, Charles Kushner, they have deep ties to pro-Israeli causes — making him something of a unique intermediary in this complicated landscape.
“A lot of the people who do this are history professors because they have a lot of experience, or diplomats. It’s just different being deal guys – just a different sport,” he remarked, emphasizing his distinct strategy in negotiations.
Kushner’s interest in bringing peace to the region is both personal and professional. He characterized October 7 as a “shattering day,” which emotional toll was still present during his testimony. Today, he’s focused on achieving the release of all hostages and implementing measures to alleviate inhumane suffering in Gaza. “Since then, my heart has not been complete,” he stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation and his hopes for resolution.
His uncompromising approach has received both widespread praise as well as scorn. Karoline Leavitt, a former spokesperson for Trump, defended Kushner’s methods by stating, “I think it’s frankly despicable that you’re trying to suggest that it’s inappropriate for Jared Kushner…to strike a 20-point comprehensive, detailed plan that no other administration would ever be able to achieve.” She characterized his dedication as noble, noting that he is “donating his energy and time to our government” for the sake of world peace.
Former U.S. diplomats familiar with the Middle East view Kushner as an unofficial asset. This status allows him remarkably to operate behind the scenes, leveraging his business interests and personal credibility to strike uncommon deals. “One of his strengths was that he was unofficial,” one diplomat noted. “He could work in the background…to bridge all of these sides.”
“Despite facing skepticism about his qualifications, Trump remains confident in Kushner’s capabilities. “I put Jared on it because he’s a very smart person and he knows the region, knows the people, knows a lot of the players,” Trump stated.
As negotiations persist in the face of increasing violence, Kushner’s attempts show both a genuine belief in the transformational power of localism and a political gambit. His talent for clear, effective communication with all parties involved will likely be key in steering the result of these important discussions.