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Jared Kushner Expands Stake in Israeli Financial Firm Amid Political Developments
Edited by: TJVNews.com
Jared Kushner, the former senior adviser to Donald Trump and a key architect of the Abraham Accords, is poised to double his investment firm’s stake in Phoenix Financial, one of Israel’s leading financial institutions, as was recently reported by The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. This significant move comes just days before his father-in-law is set to return to the White House.
Israeli regulators have approved Kushner’s Miami-based investment firm, Affinity Partners, to increase its ownership of Phoenix Financial by an additional 4.95%, according to Bloomberg News. With this transaction, Affinity Partners will hold nearly 10% of Phoenix Financial, after initially acquiring a stake in the company last year. Founded shortly after the establishment of Israel, Phoenix is a cornerstone of Israel’s insurance industry and financial landscape. The JTA report indicated that Kushner’s growing investment speaks volumes about his confidence in the Israeli economy, which continues to navigate challenges stemming from ongoing multi-front conflicts that have strained national resources.
Phoenix Financial’s stock has seen significant gains since Kushner’s initial investment, reflecting market confidence inspired by his endorsement. Speaking to Bloomberg News, Kushner emphasized his belief in Israel’s economic resilience and Phoenix’s business fundamentals. “Investing in Phoenix in July 2024 was a decision rooted in my belief in Israel’s resiliency and the fundamentals of Phoenix’s business,” Kushner remarked, according to the JTA report. “Six months later, the increased value of our shares reaffirms my conviction—both in Israel’s strength and the growing promise of Phoenix.”
Kushner’s history of engagement with Middle Eastern affairs lends broader significance to his investment activity in Israel. During Trump’s first term, Kushner played a pivotal role in the administration’s Middle East initiatives, including brokering the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and four Arab nations, as was indicated in the JTA report. His investment in Phoenix Financial could be seen as a continuation of his involvement in the region, albeit through a financial lens rather than a political one.
Affinity Partners itself has garnered considerable attention since its inception, particularly after securing a $2 billion investment from a fund led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This funding was later scrutinized in a U.S. Senate investigation, reflecting the high stakes and geopolitical implications tied to Kushner’s business ventures. According to the JTA, Kushner’s financial and political roles remain intertwined, even as he has taken a step back from overt political activities.
Notably, neither Kushner nor his wife, Ivanka Trump, were directly involved in Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, and neither has been named to a role in the incoming administration. However, the JTA report said that there is speculation that Kushner may still serve as an informal adviser on Middle East issues, given his expertise and track record in the region.
