Brightline, the 235‑mile rail link between Miami and Orlando, has attracted a new stakeholder. An Israeli‑based arm of Phoenix Financial Ltd., linked to Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, now owns almost 10% of the company’s $1.1 billion in corporate bonds, positioning it to push for a debt workout in the upcoming restructuring process.

Brightline has already missed recent interest payments and its auditors flagged significant doubt about its liquidity over the next year. The company, owned by Fortress Investment Group, is hunting for fresh capital and has hired consultants to steer negotiations, hoping to sidestep Chapter 11 and prevent bankruptcy talks today again late.

Affinity’s $128.5 million stake in Phoenix, which rose to a 4.95% holding after Israeli regulator approval, could translate into a controlling interest in Brightline’s debt. Hedge funds that already hold half of the bonds may also step in, creating a crowded field of creditors vying for influence in the deal today.

With a $5.5 billion debt load and declining traffic, Brightline’s survival hinges on swift restructuring. Investors will watch how the new bond holder and existing creditor groups navigate the talks, as any misstep could push the venture into bankruptcy and derail a high‑profile U.S. rail project for future infrastructure in Florida.