Kushner Between Gaza Peace and Israeli Defense Investments

A CNN investigation has revealed a conflict of interest between Jared Kushner’s diplomatic role in the Gaza file and his investment firm’s interests in Israel, while Kushner serves on the founding executive board of the “Peace Council” and on the executive board of Gaza, and participates in efforts to implement U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for the Gaza Strip.

According to the investigation, Affinity Partners, the firm founded by Kushner, is the largest shareholder in the Israeli company Phoenix Financial, which holds investments worth more than $456 million in nine companies that CNN identified as suppliers of military equipment to Israel, including Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms manufacturer.

Kushner’s firm does not invest directly in the nine companies, but CNN noted that it benefits when Phoenix Financial profits from its investments. Kushner’s lawyer stated that he does not participate in Phoenix Financial’s investment decisions and holds no board or executive position at the firm, while the White House affirmed that his personal business activities are separate from his diplomatic duties.