Netanyahu Shifts Position on Trump Gaza Plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to take part in President Donald Trump’s newly announced Gaza Board of Peace. His decision comes after early concerns about who would sit on the group’s executive side. The board is meant to guide the next phase of the Gaza peace plan and oversee how it moves forward.
Netanyahu confirmed his participation on Wednesday, signaling a change from his earlier stance. At first, he raised objections after learning that Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al Thawadi were named to a separate Gaza Executive Board. Israeli officials were uneasy about those appointments and wanted more clarity before committing.
Trump Gaza Board of Peace Takes Shape
The timing of Netanyahu’s announcement lines up with Trump’s visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. During this trip, Trump is expected to share more details about how the board will work. News has reported that a formal signing ceremony is being planned while Trump is in Davos.
When asked if the new board could replace the United Nations, Trump said it might. He criticized the UN for falling short of its mission but added that it should continue to exist because its potential remains strong. His comments suggest the board is meant to fill gaps rather than fully replace existing global bodies.
Global Response and Invitations
The White House says the Board of Peace will play a key role in carrying out all twenty points of Trump’s Gaza plan. Its tasks include strategic oversight, gathering international funding, and ensuring accountability as Gaza moves from conflict toward recovery and development.
Invitations have been sent to dozens of countries. These include Belarus, China, Ukraine, India, Canada, Argentina, Jordan, Egypt, Hungary, and Vietnam. Some nations and groups, including the executive arm of the European Union, have confirmed receiving invitations but have not yet replied.
Trump also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was invited. The Kremlin acknowledged the invitation and said it is reviewing the details while seeking clarification from Washington. France received an invitation as well, but a French official close to President Emmanuel Macron said Paris does not plan to join at this stage.
Who Will Lead the Board
According to the White House, Trump will chair the Board of Peace himself. He will be joined by senior political, diplomatic, and business figures. These include Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and businessman Marc Rowan.
With Netanyahu now on board, the administration sees this as a step toward broader international backing. While questions remain about structure and authority, Trump’s team says the board is designed to keep momentum going and turn proposals into action.
