Netanyahu Accused of Aiding Kushner in Secret UAE Funds Scheme
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
An investigation by journalist Matthew Cole alleges that former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu helped Jared Kushner, then a White House advisor, conceal nearly $1 billion from the UAE in 2018. The funds were reportedly transferred to Israel via Azerbaijan and deposited into an Israeli bank account to appear as government assets. Kushner's representatives have denied the allegations, stating the accounts never existed and his diplomatic actions were authorized.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Journalist Matthew Cole alleges Benjamin Netanyahu aided Jared Kushner in concealing $1 billion from the UAE.
- The alleged scheme involved transferring funds to Israel via Azerbaijan in 2018.
- Netanyahu reportedly encouraged Kushner to deposit funds into an Israeli bank account as government assets.
- David Friedman, former US Ambassador to Israel, denies any knowledge of the arrangement.
- Kushner's representatives have categorically denied all accusations.
- The report links the financial dealings to the Abraham Accords negotiations.
An investigation by American journalist Matthew Cole, detailed in excerpts from his new book published by Vanity Fair and reported by Israeli outlet Ynet, alleges that Benjamin Netanyahu and Jared Kushner were involved in secret financial arrangements with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. Kushner's representatives have vehemently denied these claims.
Cole's book, "Princes and Thieves: Jared Kushner and Mohamed bin Zayed’s Secret Plot to Remake the Middle East," asserts that a network of bank accounts provided Kushner, then a White House advisor, with nearly $2 billion from Gulf countries. A key event cited occurred in 2018, when Emirati leader Mohammed bin Zayed allegedly transferred approximately $1 billion to Israel via Azerbaijan. According to the report, Netanyahu encouraged Kushner to deposit these funds into an account at the Bank of Israel, to be classified as government assets rather than personal funds.
Netanyahu also reportedly requested advance notification of money movements through David Friedman, the then-US Ambassador to Israel, who has categorically denied any knowledge or involvement. The investigation further mentions a Dutch intelligence operation that allegedly monitored Kushner's phone, uncovering a suspected UAE bank account funded by hundreds of millions from Saudi and Emirati sources.
Matthew Cole links these alleged financial arrangements to the diplomatic negotiations that preceded the 2020 Abraham Accords. Jared Kushner has strongly refuted the accusations, with his lawyer stating the accounts never existed and that Kushner's diplomatic activities were authorized by Donald Trump and served US interests.
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