Since the Trump administration returned to office earlier this year, tensions in the Middle East have reignited in various ways.

These include the implementation—and subsequent collapse—of a Gaza ceasefire, Trump’s controversial Gaza resettlement and “reconstruction” plan, and the challenges in restarting negotiations for a new nuclear deal with Iran.

One figure who has remained largely out of the public eye during these developments is the President’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Kushner Behind the Curtains

Kushner, married to the President’s daughter Ivanka Trump since 2019, comes from a politically connected family. His father, Charles Kushner, was involved in political circles early on, maintaining friendships with figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Despite playing a prominent role during Trump’s first term, Kushner was not given an official position in the current administration. However, his influence in policy making and business dealings appears far from over.

Though he holds no formal title, Kushner continues to advise on Middle East policy, assist with transition efforts, and mentor key figures such as Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special diplomatic envoy to the region.

Jared Kushner and Affinity Partners

An investigation by Middle East Eye revealed links between Gulf states and Israeli companies listed on the UN’s blacklist of firms operating in illegal settlements.

The list includes 11 public companies and one private company connected to Israeli settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the occupied Golan Heights. 

These connections have been established through a network of investments and business dealings, raising concerns about the Gulf states’ involvement in settlements deemed illegal under international law.

Kushner’s private equity firm, Affinity Partners, has secured substantial funding from Middle Eastern sources, including a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. The firm is also backed by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. 

 Launched in 2021 by Kushner, Affinity Partners focuses on investments in American and Israeli companies. The company’s assets jumped 60 percent last year after heavy financial investments by several Gulf nations.

Following additional backing from Qatar and an investment firm based in Abu Dhabi in January, Affinity Partners acquired nearly a 10 percent stake in Phoenix Holdings, an Israeli financial services group. 

In a statement, the firm said, “Affinity is proud to be the largest shareholder of Phoenix, one of the best performing and well regarded Israeli financial institutions.”

Phoenix Holdings, in turn, maintains investments in the 11 public companies mentioned in the UN blacklist.

These companies operate in sectors including transportation, energy, telecommunications, engineering, and retail, with combined holdings valued at approximately $4.5 billion.

Jared Kushner: A Key Architect of the Abraham Accords

During the first Trump administration, Kushner served as a senior adviser with a wide-ranging and influential portfolio.

Despite lacking diplomatic experience, he was tasked with leading Middle East peace efforts. This culminated in the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Kushner also directed the White House Office of American Innovation, aiming to apply private-sector strategies to government operations. 

He played a significant role in U.S. foreign policy, engaging with leaders from Saudi Arabia, China, Mexico, and others.

His appointment raised ethical concerns about nepotism and potential conflicts of interest, given his vast business holdings and familial ties to the president.

Gaza Resort: The Man Behind the Plan

Kushner was reportedly behind President Trump’s contentious plan to redevelop Gaza—a proposal involving the forced relocation of Palestinians. 

The plan was widely condemned as a potential act of ethnic cleansing. It aligned with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “Gaza 2035” vision, which aims to transform Gaza into a modern urban zone with economic integration into neighboring regions.

Far From Gone

While Jared Kushner may no longer hold an official title, his influence on U.S. foreign policy—especially in relation to Israel and the Gulf States—remains strong. 

His blending of political advisory roles with private business interests blurs the lines between diplomacy and profit, raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and the true intentions of both Kushner and the Trump administration.

But one thing is clear: Kushner is still very much involved—just now, behind closed doors.