Report: Kushner's Foreign Policy Efforts Adding to Feud With Tillerson

Jared Kushner's foreign policy moves in the Middle East continue to fuel his feud with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, CNN is reporting.

At the center of the mounting tension between the two men is Kushner's relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

Tillerson is concerned about what he sees as a dangerous strategy being pushed by Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, for a Middle East peace agreement, CNN reported.

He believes Saudi support could result in the creation of a Palestinian state and lead to the normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors in exchange for U.S. agreeing to the crown prince's plans to reform his country and allowing it to counter Iran in the region.

Bloomberg reported Tillerson believes Kushner has not shared enough of the details with the State Department about his talks with the Saudi's crown prince.

"The problem is, the senior presidential adviser does not consult with the State Department — and it's unclear the level of consultation that goes on with the NSC," one of the those familiar with Tillerson's concerns said, referring to the National Security Council.

However, administration officials insisted Kushner briefs Tillerson regularly, CNN reported.

Reports last week indicated the White House was planning to dump Tillerson in favor of CIA Director Mike Pompeo. However, both Tillerson and Trump later denied the reports, CNN said.

But CNN reported several sources are convinced Tillerson believes Kushner is in over his head and does not fully comprehend the implications of the Middle East.

"He doesn't believe that Jared understands the tinder box that is the Middle East," one senior aide said. "These are people who have been waiting around for a weak link to manipulate."

And The Washington Post noted Trump appeared to undercut the State Department by making Kushner the lead envoy for the Israel-Palestinian peace process.

Meanwhile, Trump's strategy for the Middle East could be tested this week when he is expected to announce the U.S. will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

However, the announcement could spark protests from the Arab community, the news network reported. Trump is holding off moving the American embassy to Jerusalem, CNN said.

• Officials: Trump Might Declare Jerusalem the Israeli Capital
• Saudi Crown Prince Quickly Consolidating Power