Netanyahu Agrees to Join Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace After Initial Reservations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that he will join President Donald Trump’s newly formed Gaza Board of Peace, a move that follows his earlier reservations about the structure and membership of the initiative. The announcement marks a significant development in the Trump administration’s efforts to oversee the next phase of peace negotiations concerning the Gaza Strip.
Initially, Netanyahu expressed concerns over the composition of the Gaza Executive Board, particularly objecting to the inclusion of Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi. Netanyahu’s office stated that their appointments were made without prior coordination with Israel and described the move as contrary to Israeli policy. Despite this initial pushback, the Israeli leader ultimately agreed to participate in the broader Board of Peace, which aims to supervise and facilitate peace efforts in the volatile region.
The Trump administration’s initiative has invited dozens of world leaders to join the Board of Peace, including representatives from major global powers such as China, Russia, Ukraine, and France. However, some countries have declined participation, reflecting the complex and contentious nature of the Gaza conflict. The Board is intended to serve as a multilateral platform to replace the United Nations’ traditional role in the region, signaling a potential shift in global diplomatic dynamics.
Netanyahu’s decision to engage with the Board comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and follows his meeting with President Trump in April 2025, where discussions on peace and security were central topics. Israeli officials have emphasized the importance of direct coordination and consultation in any peace process involving Gaza, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding the involvement of regional actors.
The White House has described the Board of Peace as a mechanism to bring together international stakeholders to ensure stability and progress in Gaza, a region long plagued by conflict and humanitarian challenges. The initiative reflects President Trump’s broader foreign policy approach, which includes reimagining traditional alliances and institutions.
For more details on the U.S. government’s foreign policy framework, visit the U.S. Department of State. Information on Israel’s government and diplomatic stance can be found at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The United Nations continues to play a role in Gaza through its various agencies, detailed at UNRWA. For background on the U.S. President’s peace initiatives, see the White House Briefing Room.
As the Board of Peace begins its work, international observers and regional actors alike will be closely watching to see whether this new forum can break longstanding impasses and foster a sustainable resolution to one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.
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