CNN Questions Kushner’s Role in Gaza Peace Talks Amidst Investment Conflicts
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, CNN has scrutinized the participation of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, in Gaza peace negotiations, revealing that his private investment firm, Affinity Partners, is a major shareholder in the Israeli financial company Phoenix Holdings. This revelation has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given Kushner’s prominent role in discussions surrounding the Gaza war.
The report indicates that Phoenix Holdings has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense contractor, and holds stakes in at least eight other companies that supply the Israeli military with products and equipment. While Affinity Partners did not invest directly in these military firms, CNN noted that an increase in Phoenix’s profits and investment value would indirectly benefit Kushner’s company, as Phoenix identifies Affinity as its largest shareholder.
According to reviewed documents, Phoenix has invested at least $265 million in Elbit Systems. This company has secured substantial contracts with the Israeli Ministry of Defense in recent years for the supply of ammunition and military equipment. Phoenix has also invested in companies such as Next Vision, which produces cameras for military drones; Reshef Technologies, a manufacturer of artillery fuze systems; Israel Shipyards, a builder of naval vessels; and Ashtrom Ashkelon, which specializes in producing gearboxes and power transmission systems for tanks and armored vehicles.
CNN also highlighted Phoenix’s investments in American companies Boeing and Caterpillar. Boeing supplies fighter jets, helicopters, and various types of ammunition to Tel Aviv, while Caterpillar manufactures equipment, including bulldozers, which, according to UN reports, have been used in the destruction of residential areas in Gaza and Lebanon.
The significance of these investments is amplified by Kushner’s role in the Trump administration’s policy concerning the Gaza war. Since 2025, Kushner has served as an unofficial advisor to Trump on West Asia issues and has been involved in negotiations related to ceasefires and agreements between Israel and Hamas. He participated in crucial discussions, including those concerning a Gaza ceasefire agreement, alongside Steve Witcoff, Trump’s special envoy.
CNN reported that Kushner was not subject to some disclosure requirements for U.S. government officials due to his lack of an official government position. In 2024, Affinity Partners acquired approximately 4.95% of Phoenix’s shares for $128.5 million. Days before the commencement of Trump’s second presidential term, the firm doubled its stake, becoming the largest shareholder in Phoenix Holdings. In July 2026, Kushner sold about a quarter of Affinity’s stake in Phoenix for over $340 million. Nevertheless, Affinity retains approximately 7.4% of Phoenix’s shares, valued at over $1 billion.
Kushner has denied any involvement in Phoenix’s investment decisions. His lawyer informed CNN that Kushner has not participated in the purchase, holding, or sale of shares in military-related companies and has never been a member of Phoenix’s board of directors. However, Kushner’s lawyer did confirm that he regularly communicates with Phoenix’s executives regarding the company’s operations, market trends, and strategic opportunities.
The White House has also refuted accusations of potential conflicts of interest, stating that Kushner’s business activities are unrelated to his diplomatic functions, which he undertakes voluntarily at Trump’s request. Conversely, some Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. have called for an investigation into the matter. Jamie Raskin, a Democratic Representative from the U.S. House of Representatives, has described Kushner’s simultaneous engagement in business and diplomatic activities as “utterly conflicted and unethical.”
Affinity Partners was established in January 2021, one day after the end of Trump’s first presidential term. Several months later, the firm received $2 billion from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. Affinity has since attracted capital from Qatari and Emirati investors and has made investments in various countries, including Israeli-occupied territories. Kushner made Affinity’s first direct investment in Israeli-occupied territories in 2023, acquiring a 15% stake in the car rental and credit business of Shlomo Group for $150 million.
CNN reported that Kushner attributed his investment in Phoenix to his belief in the resilience of Tel Aviv’s economy and the company’s economic fundamentals. However, the simultaneous financial interests of Affinity in Phoenix alongside Kushner’s role in negotiations concerning the Gaza war continue to be a subject of controversy regarding the business and diplomatic activities of the U.S. President’s son-in-law.
