Peace Council denies allegations of investment ties to Israeli arms and settlement firms

An investigation by The Telegraph has alleged potential conflicts of interest within the Peace Council, a body established by Donald Trump to oversee post-war arrangements and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. The report claims several council members hold investment ties to Israeli companies involved in military industries and West Bank settlement activities.

Specifically, the investigation notes that five members are linked through financial institutions to Smart Shooter, an Israeli firm specializing in AI-powered targeting systems that recently secured a $150 million US military contract. Additionally, the report highlights investments in companies linked to West Bank settlements and firms facing legal scrutiny in the US regarding their activities in Gaza.

Jared Kushner’s investment fund, Affinity Partners, was identified as holding a 7.4% stake in Phoenix Financial, an Israeli institution with diverse holdings, including companies connected to military industries and settlement projects.

The Peace Council has denied the allegations, stating that the report relies on implication rather than evidence. The Council argued that The Telegraph failed to identify any specific contract, procurement decision, or diplomatic action influenced by these commercial interests.