Jared Kushner Faces Conflict Allegations Over Israeli Military Investments
Jared Kushner faces conflict-of-interest allegations after a CNN investigation revealed his private equity firm is the largest shareholder in an Israeli group investing in military suppliers.
A CNN investigation revealed that Jared Kushner, a key U.S. negotiator on Gaza and volunteer adviser to President Donald Trump, owns a private equity firm with significant ties to the Israeli military sector. Kushner's firm, Affinity Partners, is the largest shareholder in Phoenix Financial, a Tel Aviv-based group that has invested at least $456 million across nine companies supplying the Israeli military. This includes $265.1 million in Elbit Systems, the largest arms manufacturer in Israel, as well as investments in NextVision, Reshef Technologies, and Boeing.
Affinity Partners doubled its stake in Phoenix Financial in January 2025, shortly before Donald Trump returned to the White House. By July, the firm sold a quarter of its stake for over $340 million—more than five times the initial purchase price—while maintaining a 7.4% stake valued at over $1 billion. These financial ties have sparked congressional inquiries and conflict-of-interest concerns, as Kushner simultaneously leads diplomatic efforts for a Gaza ceasefire and proposes investment projects for the region's reconstruction, including a coastal tourism zone and an airport.
The White House and Kushner's attorney deny any conflict, asserting that Kushner does not direct Phoenix's investment decisions and that his diplomatic work is conducted on a volunteer basis. CNN reported finding no evidence that Kushner's diplomatic actions directly affected the investments.
