Israel Debates Trump's New 'Board of Peace' for Gaza

Sun Jan 18 2026 23:41:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Tensions rise as Israel voices its concerns over a new US-led committee aimed at overseeing Gaza's reconstruction, after being excluded from the decision-making process.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for talks with his advisers after the U.S. announced Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, which includes international officials and excludes Israel. The plan's structure remains murky, and criticism from Israeli leaders highlights its controversial approach to Gaza's reconstruction following the Israel-Hamas conflict. The international response has been cautious, raising questions about the board's effectiveness and legitimacy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with his top advisers to discuss Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, after it was revealed that Israel had not been included in discussions regarding its formation.

Netanyahu's office expressed that the plan was 'not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy.' This followed the announcement of the committee's Gaza Executive Board, which includes notable figures like the Turkish foreign minister, a Qatari official, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, along with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The Board of Peace is part of Trump's broader 20-point strategy to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, primarily focusing on restructuring Gaza. The details of how the board will operate remain vague, with membership still in progress.

Two senior bodies have been established under the main Board of Peace: a 'founding Executive Board' focused on diplomacy and investment, and a 'Gaza Executive Board' tasked with overseeing on-the-ground operations through the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

Currently, the only Israeli member on the Gaza Executive Board is Yakir Gabay, a businessman living in Cyprus, with no Palestinians represented on either board. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voiced his skepticism, arguing against any 'administrative committee' overseeing Gaza, calling for a more direct approach to combat Hamas.

Meanwhile, the overarching Board of Peace is expected to feature global leaders, with Trump serving as chairman, although many of those invited have not publicly confirmed their participation. International governments, particularly from Europe, are approaching the initiative with caution, looking for clarity amid concerns regarding the funding and effectiveness of the proposed plans.

As the human toll of the Gaza crisis mounts, the UN has warned that conditions remain dire, with the need for substantial humanitarian aid continuing. Despite Israel stating it facilitates assistance, claims of aid mismanagement plague the situation, with winter conditions exacerbating the hardships faced by the population.