U.S. President Donald Trump is advancing his plan for a post-war Gaza, but the formation of his proposed 'Board of Peace' has hit a significant diplomatic snag. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly raised objections to the inclusion of certain members, marking a rare point of open disagreement with the American administration.
A Global Coalition Takes Shape
The ambitious initiative, aimed at building on the fragile ceasefire and overseeing a long-term transformation of the devastated Gaza Strip, began to take concrete form in mid-January 2024. Argentine President Javier Milei and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Saturday, January 18, their acceptance of roles as founding members. They were joined by a roster of other international leaders.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban confirmed his participation, while Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated her country was ready to play a leading role after receiving an invitation. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Jordan's King Abdullah II were also invited, with Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi reportedly considering the offer. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva received an invitation as well.
Israeli Objections Emerge
The friction arose with the announcement of the composition of a secondary 'Gaza Executive Board,' a committee expected to handle the practical work of rebuilding and remaking Gaza under the broader peace board's umbrella. This panel includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.
However, Netanyahu's office issued a sharp statement on Saturday, objecting specifically to the inclusion of Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al Thawadi on this executive committee. The Israeli government stated the announcement "was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy." Netanyahu directed his foreign minister to contact Secretary Rubio to formally relay these concerns.
Roots of the Disagreement
The core of Israel's objection lies in its view that both Qatar and Turkey maintain ties too close to Hamas, the militant group that controlled Gaza prior to the recent conflict. Jerusalem is skeptical that officials from these nations would support remaking the coastal enclave in a manner aligning with Israeli security and political interests. This public critique represents a notable break from Netanyahu's usual emphasis on seamless coordination with the Trump administration.
President Trump announced the board's creation on social media, touting it as "the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled." In an invitation shared by President Milei, Trump framed the effort as a mission to build "LASTING PEACE" for future generations. The board is a central component of Trump's broader 20-point plan for Gaza's reconstruction, which envisions a sweeping, multi-decade project for the territory largely destroyed by two years of war.
