Netanyahu joins Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ despite Gaza tensions

Netanyahu joins Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ despite Gaza tensions

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his participation in US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace”, a high-profile initiative aimed at resolving conflicts and promoting stability in war-affected regions.

Netanyahu’s office announced on Wednesday that the Israeli leader had formally accepted the invitation to become a board member, joining a roster of world leaders expected to commit up to $1 billion each for permanent membership.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that he has accepted US President Donald Trump’s invitation and will join as a member of the Board of Peace, which will be composed of leaders of the world,” the statement read.

A $1 billion seat at the table

The board was initially envisioned to oversee the rebuilding of post-war Gaza, though its charter reviewed by AFP, suggests its scope could extend to other regions affected or threatened by conflict. According to the charter, the board’s mission is to:

• Promote regional stability

• Restore lawful governance

• Secure enduring peace

Trump will chair the board and serve as the US representative, highlighting the unusual personal stake the former president has taken in this global initiative.

While dozens of countries and leaders reportedly received invitations, longtime US ally France has already indicated it will not participate, underscoring the controversial nature of the board.

Gaza Executive Board sparks diplomatic friction

Alongside the main board, Trump unveiled plans for a “Gaza Executive Board” tasked with day-to-day oversight in the Palestinian territory. This committee includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, appointments Netanyahu has openly opposed.

Relations between Israel and Turkey have been strained since October 2023, when Hamas launched a major attack on Israel, sparking renewed hostilities in Gaza. Netanyahu’s objection reflects these continuing tensions and his reluctance to cooperate with regional actors he perceives as adversaries.

Meanwhile, a separate committee of 15 Palestinian technocrats, led by former Palestinian Authority deputy minister Ali Shaath, has started its work in Cairo to manage Gaza’s day-to-day administration as part of the second phase of Trump’s truce plan announced last October.

International scrutiny and debate

Trump’s “Board of Peace” has drawn both attention and criticism globally. Analysts have questioned the ethics of a $1 billion membership fee for conflict management, as well as the broader implications of a US-led initiative that mixes private funding with international diplomacy.

For Israel, Netanyahu’s participation signals a willingness to engage with Trump’s high-profile diplomacy, even amid regional friction and Palestinian sensitivities. For the Palestinians and other Middle East actors, the board remains a contentious initiative, with concerns over representation, influence, and legitimacy.

On social media, reactions have been mixed: some hail the board as a bold step toward peace, while others warn it risks sidelining traditional diplomatic channels and inflaming tensions further.

As the board begins to take shape, its ability to deliver tangible results in Gaza and beyond remains uncertain. Netanyahu’s involvement brings Israel directly into Trump’s vision, but the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar alongside a separate Palestinian technocrat committee, makes the governance of post-war Gaza a delicate balancing act.

Observers will be watching closely to see whether the board can move beyond headlines and translate high-profile membership and billions of dollars pledged into on-the-ground stability or whether it will remain a politically charged experiment in global diplomacy.

{Source: The South African}

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