Netanyahu Joins Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza, Marking a Major Shift in Israel’s Position

Post by : Saif Nasser

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace for Gaza, a move that signals a clear change in his public stance. This decision comes after earlier criticism from Netanyahu’s office about the structure of the board, especially the committee focused on Gaza.

The Board of Peace was first presented as a small group of world leaders who would help oversee a ceasefire plan for Gaza. Over time, the idea has expanded. President Trump has invited many countries and suggested that the board could play a role in resolving conflicts beyond Gaza. This broader vision has raised interest, but also concern, among world leaders.

Earlier, Netanyahu’s office objected to the Gaza executive committee because it included Turkey, a country Israel sees as a regional rival. The office said the committee was formed without proper coordination and did not match Israel’s policy. Despite these objections, Netanyahu has now chosen to take part, suggesting he believes joining the board is better than staying outside it.

This decision may create tension inside Israel’s own government. Some of Netanyahu’s far-right allies, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have strongly criticized the board. They argue that Israel should manage Gaza’s future on its own and not rely on international bodies. Netanyahu’s move could therefore test the unity of his coalition.

Several countries have already agreed to join the board, including the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Vietnam, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Argentina. Other nations, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Egypt, Russia, Turkey, and the European Union, have received invitations but have not yet given a final answer.

The announcement came as President Trump traveled to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he is expected to share more details about how the board will work. Many questions remain unanswered, including how much power the board will actually have and which leaders will take part.

Trump has also sparked debate by suggesting the board could even replace the United Nations in some roles. While he criticized the U.N. for not meeting its potential, he also said it should continue to exist. This mixed message has worried some countries. France, for example, has said it supports Trump’s peace plan but does not agree with creating a new body that would replace the U.N.

Under the Gaza ceasefire plan, the board’s Gaza executive committee would handle the difficult second phase of the agreement. This includes deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, rebuilding Gaza, and overseeing a group of Palestinian technocrats who would manage daily life in the territory.

The White House says the board includes a wide range of figures, from senior U.S. officials to international diplomats and business leaders. A separate executive group will handle broader decisions, while a representative will oversee daily operations in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s decision to join the board reflects the complex choices facing Israel as it balances security concerns, international pressure, and regional politics. Whether this new board can truly bring peace to Gaza remains uncertain, but its creation has already reshaped the global conversation.