President-elect Trump appointed businessman Massad Boulos as his Middle East and Arab world adviser on Sunday.
Why it matters: Boulos’ appointment is another signal that Trump is expected to engage in a diplomatic push in the Middle East after he assumes office next year.
- Boules is expected to work with Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Between the lines: Boulos is connected to the Trump family through marriage. Tiffany Trump married Boulos’ son Michael in 2022.
- It is the second appointment Trump has made of a person connected to him via his children’s marriages. On Saturday, he appointed Charles Kushner, Ivanka Trump’s father-in-law, as ambassador to France.
- Boulos also had an unofficial role in Trump’s 2024 campaign where he courted the Arab and Muslim communities.
Behind the scenes: Boulos has been the main channel of communication between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Trump in recent months, U.S. and Palestinian sources say.
- After the July assassination attempt against Trump, Abbas sent him a letter through Boulos. Boulos also coordinated the first phone call between Abbas and Trump after his reelection.
State of play: Israeli minister for Strategic Affairs and Netanyahu confidant Ron Dermer will travel to the U.S. this week for talks with the Biden administration and Trump’s advisers on the Gaza war, the hostage deal and Iran, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
- The sources noted that Dermer is expected to visit Washington and Palm Beach, but currently has no plans to meet with Trump. The two previously met on November 20 at Mar-a-lago. Dermer’s office declined to comment.
- Dermer has attempted in recent months to push a plan for the day after the war in Gaza that would be carried out in cooperation between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. A source familiar with the details said that Dermer believes that implementing the plan would establish a non-Hamas government in Gaza and would therefore end the war.
What they’re saying: “Massad is a dealmaker, and an unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East. He will be a strong advocate for the United States, and its interests, and I am pleased to have him on our team!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with information on Ron Dermer’s upcoming U.S. visit.
By Barak Ravid from AXIOS