Jared Kushner unveiled the White House’s Middle East plan during a workshop in Manama, Bahrain. He described it as a significant opportunity for Palestinians.
Emphasizing the importance of economic development, Kushner stated that reaching an agreement on economic matters is a crucial step towards addressing the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The workshop concentrated solely on economic challenges without delving into specific political issues. Kushner’s speech did not touch on the political status of Palestinian territories or the relationship between Israel and Palestine.
Kushner proposed a $50 billion investment over a decade in Palestinian territories and neighboring Arab nations. The plan includes 179 projects, with a dedicated “master fund” aimed at advancing education, healthcare, water, and agriculture. While Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressed some support for the initiative, the Palestinian Authority boycotted the event, viewing the plan as a threat to their cause. They stressed the importance of a political resolution over an economic one, with President Mahmoud Abbas asserting that politics should take precedence over economics.
