WhatsApp founder Jan Koum tops list of major donors to settlement organizations and the Israeli lobby

The non-profit organization 'Americans for Transparency' has revealed the pivotal role played by Jan Koum, co-founder and former CEO of the 'WhatsApp' application, in supporting the Israeli lobby within the United States. The organization clarified in a recent report that the American billionaire, of Ukrainian origin, is now classified as one of the most prominent generous donors to the occupation state and its associated organizations.

According to monitored financial data, Koum, whose fortune is estimated at about $15 billion, adopts a political orientation leaning towards the Republican Party and is keen to make large periodic donations. He topped the list of donors to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee 'AIPAC' with an amount reaching $7.5 million, reflecting his growing influence within the corridors of pro-Tel Aviv decision-making in Washington.

Koum's support was not limited to political aspects only, but extended to include direct funding of settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. Reports indicate his donation of $6 million to the organization 'Friends of Ir David', an association actively involved in promoting settlement projects in occupied Jerusalem and changing its demographic features.

In the context of military support, the former WhatsApp founder provided $5.3 million to the Friends of the 'Israel Defense Forces' foundation, an organization concerned with providing logistical support and welfare to the occupation soldiers. These steps come within a broader strategy followed by Koum between 2019 and 2020, where he injected about $140 million into 70 different Jewish organizations.

Coinciding with these private donations, the 'AIPAC' committee praised the US House of Representatives' step to approve pro-occupation provisions within the financial appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026. This legislation includes allocating direct security and military aid to Tel Aviv worth $3.3 billion, as part of what the committee described as solid, unshakable bipartisan support.

Sources reported that these financial allocations, derived from American taxpayers' money, aim to enhance the occupation's ability to confront what it describes as strategic threats in the region. 'AIPAC' considered that the continuation of this funding ensures the existence of a strong and capable ally for the United States in the heart of the Middle East, serving the common security interests of both parties.

The committee also indicated that the security funding included in the new law goes beyond direct military objectives, extending its impact to the American economy through arms and manufacturing contracts. These contracts associated with aid contribute to creating jobs within the United States, linking American economic interests to the continued military support provided to the occupation army.

Jan Koum is considered one of the largest donors to the Israeli lobby in the United States, directing his wealth to support settlements and military activities.