Kushner casts doubt on the ability of Palestinians to govern themselves

White House senior adviser Jared Kushner cast doubt on the ability of Palestinians to govern themselves during an interview with Axios released Sunday.

“The hope is, is that over time, they can become capable of governing,” Kushner said when asked by Jonathan Swan whether Palestinians are capable of governing without Israeli interference.

{mosads}Palestinians “need to have a fair judicial system … freedom of press, freedom of expression, tolerance for all religions” before their territories can become “investable,” Kushner added.

Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, has been leading the administration’s promise to deliver a groundbreaking proposal to ensure peace between Israelis, Palestinians and other stakeholders in the Middle East.

The details and timing of the plan’s release have largely been kept under wraps.

The White House did announce last month that part of the plan would involve encouraging investment in the West Bank, in Gaza and throughout the region.

However, there has been no public buy-in from Palestinian officials.

The two sides have not been in contact since the Palestinians cut off negotiations last year over frustrations with the Trump administration’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.