Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, played a central role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire deal announced last week, despite having no formal position in the White House. Kushner addressed a crowd in Tel Aviv’s ‘hostages square’, expressing his personal commitment to ending the conflict and securing the release of hostages.
Kushner’s involvement has drawn criticism due to his management of Affinity Partners, an investment firm that holds billions of dollars from sovereign wealth funds in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Critics argue that his financial interests in the region create a significant conflict of interest, as a successful redevelopment of Gaza could yield substantial profits for his firm.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended Kushner, stating that his contributions are voluntary and aimed at achieving peace. She dismissed suggestions of impropriety, highlighting his relationships with regional leaders and his role in securing a comprehensive ceasefire plan.
Kushner, who previously served as a senior advisor during Trump’s first term, has maintained a lower profile since the January 6 Capitol riots. However, his involvement in Middle East diplomacy has increased, culminating in his participation in a White House meeting with Tony Blair in August to discuss post-war governance and reconstruction of Gaza.
