President Donald Trump is employing a strategy of economic statecraft in the Middle East, betting that the promise of reconstruction and prosperity can create a durable peace. His plan, centered on rebuilding a shattered Gaza, is designed to give all parties—from regional powers to ordinary Gazans—a powerful economic incentive to maintain the calm.
The core of this strategy is to mobilize the vast wealth of Arab Gulf states for the reconstruction effort. Trump’s public statements and his upcoming summit in Egypt are aimed at securing billions of dollars in pledges. This is not just about humanitarian aid; it’s about a long-term economic development plan to create jobs, infrastructure, and hope in Gaza.
By framing the rebuilding as a collaborative Arab-led project, Trump aims to foster a sense of regional ownership. This approach encourages neighboring countries to invest in Gaza’s stability, as they will have a direct financial stake in its success. The new US-led coordination center is designed to ensure this investment is managed effectively.
This economic vision extends to the broader goal of expanding the Abraham Accords. The administration believes that demonstrating the tangible economic benefits of peace—through joint investment, trade, and technology sharing—is the most effective way to persuade more countries, like Saudi Arabia, to normalize relations with Israel.
Trump is essentially arguing that shared economic interests can transcend long-standing political divisions. He is gambling that a vision of a prosperous, integrated, and rebuilt Middle East is a more powerful motivator than the grievances of the past. The success of his trip will depend on his ability to sell this economic vision to the region’s leaders.