Jared Kushner Works Behind Scenes to Strengthen Palestinian Authority Amid Saudi Mediation

Jared Kushner, senior advisor and son-in-law to former U.S. President Donald Trump, is reportedly working behind the scenes to bolster the Palestinian Authority's position vis-à-vis Israel. This effort involves establishing a communication channel between the U.S. and the Palestinian Authority, mediated by Saudi Arabia. The initiative comes after Saudi Arabia set a dramatic condition for joining the Abraham Accords, demanding significant Israeli concessions in the West Bank.

Saudi Arabia has conveyed to the U.S. administration its willingness to reconsider joining the Abraham Accords, but only if Israel agrees to substantial compromises in Judea and Samaria. Against this backdrop, Kushner's mediation aims to legitimize the Palestinian Authority within the Trump administration and facilitate a new memorandum of understanding. This could pave the way for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The move is expected to increase pressure from the European Union and other countries on Israel to make concessions that would strengthen the Palestinian Authority. If implemented, the initiative could face significant political clashes within Israel, especially if the right-wing government attempts to block it. However, it may gain momentum should a left-center coalition win upcoming elections.