U.S. Influence on Jordan, Egypt’s Stance on Gaza, and Saudi Priorities

Asher Fredman: “The United States has many levers over Jordan. The United States is Jordan’s largest export market. Jordan greatly benefits from the Jordan-U.S. free trade agreement, whereas the U.S. benefits much less. Jordan benefits very greatly from economic support and military support. If President Trump does want to put significant pressure on the King, he can do that.”

“Egypt could be an important midpoint for Gazans who are then departing to other Arab or Muslim countries, or even Western countries that are willing to accept them. Ideally, you would have a number of countries, not just one or two, but a number of countries each taking a number of Gazans—of course, those who are voluntarily willing to leave.”

“Egypt has taken in over 400,000 Sudanese refugees over the last several years. So, they’re willing to take in 400,000 Sudanese but want to take zero Gazans. That also says something about how Egypt views Gazans, unfortunately.”

“What Saudi Arabia truly wants is what it can get from the United States—whether in the security and defense realm or the civilian nuclear realm. There is strong, authentic support for the Palestinian people among both the Saudi leadership and the Saudi people. On the other hand, they know much better than most—maybe not better than President Trump, but much better than people in Europe or the West—how corrupt and inefficient the Palestinian Authority is, and that Hamas is a Muslim Brotherhood arm.”

The interview took place on Channel I24 on February 11, 2025.