Conflict of interest? Investigation reveals: Kushner invested in Israeli company 'Phoenix'

A CNN investigation reveals that Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and advisor, is invested in the Israeli insurance company 'Phoenix', which has invested hundreds of millions in defense firm Elbit Systems and holds shares in other companies supplying equipment to the IDF. Kushner's investment firm doubled its holdings in Phoenix over the past year and sold a quarter of its shares at a fivefold profit. Kushner serves as Trump's Middle East envoy and is active in promoting the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

An investigation by the American CNN network, published this evening (Thursday), reveals a potential conflict of interest surrounding Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and advisor of US President Donald Trump. According to the investigation, Kushner is invested in the Israeli insurance company 'Phoenix' through his investment firm, 'Affinity Partners'. Kushner serves as Trump's envoy to the Middle East and is considered very active in promoting the Gaza ceasefire agreement. 'Affinity' doubled its holdings in 'Phoenix' over the past year, and is now the largest shareholder in the company, with 7.4% of its shares, valued at over one billion dollars as of July. 'Phoenix' itself has invested hundreds of millions in the defense company 'Elbit Systems', and holds shares in at least eight other companies supplying equipment to the IDF, including Boeing and Caterpillar. The investigation notes there is no evidence that Kushner exploited his diplomatic role to advance his investments, but in July of this year, 'Affinity' sold a quarter of its holdings at a fivefold profit over their original value. Kushner has previously spoken in favor of the role of financial profits in resolving Middle East conflicts, and his critics argue that his conduct raises questions about his interests. Kushner's attorney responded that Kushner never directed Phoenix's investment decisions, and that claims of diplomatic influence are false.