Board of Peace: Israel’s Prime Minister Accepts an Invitation from Trump

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has accepted an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join a newly established “Board of Peace” focused on conflict resolution, his office confirmed on Wednesday.

According to a statement, Netanyahu agreed to become a member of the board, which is expected to include leaders from across the globe.

The initiative was initially proposed to oversee reconstruction efforts in post-war Gaza. However, a copy of its charter reviewed by AFP suggests its mandate extends beyond the Palestinian territory. Membership reportedly requires a financial commitment of up to $1 billion for a permanent seat.

The charter states that the board aims to promote stability, re-establish lawful and reliable governance, and achieve lasting peace in regions affected by or at risk of conflict. Trump will chair the board and will also serve separately as the representative of the United States.

Invitations have been extended to dozens of countries and leaders, including close US allies as well as rivals. France, a longstanding US ally, has indicated it will not participate.

While announcing the board last week, Trump also revealed plans to create a “Gaza Executive Board” operating under the larger body. This executive board is expected to include Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, a development that Netanyahu has strongly opposed.

Relations between Turkey and Israel have worsened since the Gaza war began in October 2023, following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel.

In addition, a separate committee made up of 15 Palestinian technocrats has been formed to manage Gaza’s day-to-day administration as part of the second phase of a truce plan announced by Trump in October. The committee is led by Gaza native and former Palestinian Authority deputy minister Ali Shaath and began its initial work in Cairo this week.