The Jerusalem Post will host its flagship Annual Conference in New York City on Monday, June 1, 2026, bringing together state officials and business leaders to discuss “opportunities” amidst ongoing regional conflicts. The event is set to convene in the shadow of the Israel-Iran war and other turbulent developments across the Middle East.
The conference aims to gather speakers from the region and around the world. These figures are expected to offer insight into the security, economic, and geopolitical challenges and opportunities that are shaping Israel and the Jewish people.
The day’s agenda includes in-depth panels, one-on-one interviews, and open discussions. These sessions will be led by the editorial team of The Jerusalem Post and are slated to explore pressing news events, the latest developments in defense technology, and the “enduring spirit of resilience” among the Israeli and Jewish people.
The State and Capital Converge
Under the leadership of CEO Inbar Ashkenazi, The Jerusalem Post has produced multiple high-level events in recent years. Ashkenazi stated that the publication is “much more than a media organization,” describing it as a “gateway between Israel and the rest of the world.” This framing positions the media outlet as a facilitator for state and capital interests.
Last year’s event, which will be live-streamed on the media group’s website and social media channels, reportedly reached nearly 2.5 million collective online views. It featured prominent Israeli state actors, including former defense minister Benny Gantz, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, and Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar. Their presence underscores the direct involvement of state power in these discussions.
Further demonstrating the alignment of state interests, the conference also welcomed United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Senator Rick Scott, and Congressman Brian Mast. These US officials indicate the broader imperial alignment in regional strategy, reinforcing the role of the state in protecting accumulated wealth and projecting power.
Representatives of capital were also present, including business leaders such as Bank Leumi CEO Hanan Friedman and Mitrelli Group founder and president Haim Taib. Their participation highlights the direct link between state policy, military conflict, and the interests of financial and industrial capital.
Profiting from Conflict
The discussions' focus on “the latest developments in defense technology” directly benefits the defense industry, which includes the business leaders present. This emphasis on technological advancement within the military apparatus points to ongoing capital accumulation through state-sponsored conflict.
Ashkenazi further emphasized the networking aspect of the conference, stating that there is “no better venue for connecting with leading figures from across the Jewish world and exchanging ideas.” She invited attendees to “forge connections that last a lifetime,” highlighting the consolidation of power and influence among the ruling class.
The Jerusalem Post Annual Conference serves as a platform for state and capital actors to strategize and coordinate, framing regional instability as a source of “opportunities.” This approach manages the contradictions of the current economic order while preserving its foundations, ensuring continued profit extraction from ongoing conflicts and the expansion of defense technology markets.