Kushner Firm Invested in Israeli Defense Contractor, Report Says

Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump's son-in-law and advisor, is invested in the Israeli insurance company "Phoenix", indirectly linking him to the Israeli military industry, according to a CNN investigation. Kushner's firm, Affinity Partners, which he heads and which manages his investments, has increased its holdings in "Phoenix" over the past year. "Phoenix" itself has invested hundreds of millions in the defense contractor "Elbit Systems" and holds shares in at least eight other companies that supply equipment to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), including Boeing and Caterpillar.

While the report found no evidence that Kushner used his diplomatic role as Trump's Middle East envoy to benefit his investments, his firm reportedly profited fivefold on a quarter of its "Phoenix" shares sold in July. Affinity Partners is now the largest shareholder in "Phoenix", holding 7.4% of its shares, valued at over $1 billion as of July.

Critics have questioned whether Kushner's actions in the Middle East prioritize American taxpayer interests or his personal financial gains, particularly given his past comments on the role of profits in resolving regional conflicts. Kushner's attorney stated that Kushner "never participated in or directed the decisions of Phoenix" regarding its investments and had no involvement in the purchase, holding, or sale of any of the nine companies mentioned. The attorney also asserted that any claim that Kushner's diplomatic work influenced "Phoenix's" investments is false.