Kushner Suggests Investment Incentives to Expand Abraham Accords
Jared Kushner has suggested that countries normalising relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords could receive investment opportunities and economic incentives.
In a recent interview, Kushner said he has been working with US envoy Steve Witkoff to promote the Abraham Accords and explore investment opportunities in countries that have already joined the framework, as well as those that may join in the future. He pointed to Morocco as an example where investments could help generate economic benefits linked to normalisation.
Kushner also proposed the idea of offering large investment packages to countries considering joining the accords. He cited Syria as a potential example, saying financial incentives could encourage participation in the normalisation process.
The remarks have renewed debate over the Abraham Accords, which were launched during Donald Trump's first presidency and led to the normalisation of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.
Critics argue that the accords rely on political and economic incentives rather than addressing Palestinian aspirations for statehood. They point to Morocco's recognition deal, which coincided with US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, as an example of diplomatic incentives tied to normalisation.
Kushner's comments also come amid scrutiny of his business activities and investment firm, Affinity Partners. Several US lawmakers have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, citing the firm's significant funding from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds while Kushner has remained involved in regional diplomatic efforts.
Despite efforts to expand the accords, several Arab and Muslim-majority countries have shown little interest in joining a framework that critics say strengthens Israel's regional position without providing a clear path toward Palestinian statehood.
