Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to join President Donald Trump’s newly established Gaza Board of Peace following initial concerns regarding its structure and membership.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that he will participate in President Donald Trump’s newly formed Gaza Board of Peace. This decision comes after Netanyahu previously expressed criticism regarding the composition of the board’s executive committee.
The Gaza Board of Peace is intended to oversee the next phase of the Trump administration’s peace plan for the region. Netanyahu’s change of heart follows his earlier objections to the inclusion of Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi on a separate “Gaza Executive Board.” Netanyahu’s office stated that this inclusion was not coordinated with Israel and contradicts its established policies.
The announcement aligns with Trump’s attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he is expected to elaborate on the board’s objectives. Reports indicate that Trump plans to host a signing ceremony for the Gaza Board of Peace during his visit.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Trump suggested that the board could potentially replace the United Nations, stating, “It might.” He criticized the world body for not being particularly helpful and for failing to fulfill its potential, while also acknowledging that the U.N. should continue to exist due to its significant possibilities.
On January 16, the White House described the Board of Peace as playing an “essential role” in implementing all 20 points of Trump’s Gaza plan. This includes providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.
Dozens of countries have been invited to join the board, with invitations sent out over the weekend. Among those invited are Belarus, China, Ukraine, India, Canada, Argentina, Jordan, Egypt, Hungary, and Vietnam. The executive arm of the European Union has confirmed receipt of an invitation but has yet to respond.
Additionally, Trump confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin received an invitation to join the board. The Kremlin acknowledged receipt of the invitation and indicated that it is reviewing the details and will seek clarification on various aspects in communication with the U.S. government.
France has also received an invitation but has stated that it does not plan to participate “at this stage,” according to a French official close to President Emmanuel Macron.
The White House has indicated that Trump will chair the Board of Peace, joined by senior political, diplomatic, and business figures, including Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, and billionaire Marc Rowan.
This development marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address the complex issues surrounding peace in Gaza, with the international community closely watching the formation and actions of the Gaza Board of Peace.
According to Fox News, the dynamics of this new initiative will be pivotal as it seeks to navigate the longstanding challenges in the region.