Kushner: ‘We’ve Read Enough Books’ About The Middle East—Time To Reach A Deal
Jared Kushner Image by Department of Defense
A private speech by Jared Kushner to congressional interns revealed the White House senior advisor’s thoughts about Middle East peace, which has been part of his official portfolio.
When asked by an intern how he will solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict despite past diplomats’ failures, he acknowledged that “not a whole lot has been accomplished over the last 40 or 50 years,” according to a recording obtained by WIRED magazine.
“We don’t want a history lesson,” he said. “We’ve read enough books. Let’s focus on how do you come up with a conclusion to the situation.”
Kushner also speculated about past negotiations, saying the conflict has remained unresolved partly because it is so emotional. He added that he wasn’t sure if his administration offers anything unique. “So, what do we offer that’s unique? I don’t know…” he said.
Kushner said he remained hopeful that a deal could be reached if negotiations continue in private.
“There may be no solution, but it’s one of the problem sets that the president asked us to focus on,” he said. “So we’re going to focus on it and try to come to the right conclusion in the near future.”
A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.
We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.
If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO
