Israel Disapproves of Trump's Leadership in Gaza Peace Initiative

Sun Jan 18 2026 23:47:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu expresses concerns over the U.S.-led 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, criticizing its lack of coordination with Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting to discuss the newly formed 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, led by Donald Trump. Israel's government is unsettled by the board's formation without its input, particularly with the inclusion of officials critical of its recent military actions. The board, which is part of Trump's broader plan to address the Israel-Hamas conflict, aims to oversee Gaza's reconstruction but faces skepticism both from Israeli leaders and international observers dealing with ongoing humanitarian crises in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a meeting with his top advisers to discuss Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, after it revealed the U.S. did not include Israel in talks regarding its creation.

Netanyahu's office stated it was 'not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy,' following Saturday's announcement of the committee's Gaza Executive Board, which includes the Turkish foreign minister and a Qatari official, as well as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The Board of Peace, which is part of Trump's 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas war, is expected to temporarily oversee the running of Gaza and manage its reconstruction. Its exact structure remains unclear and members are still being invited.

Two separate senior bodies have been officially unveiled, both of which sit under the main Board of Peace. One is a 'founding Executive Board,' focusing on investment and diplomacy, while the other, the 'Gaza Executive Board,' is responsible for the on-the-ground administrative tasks of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

As of now, the only Israeli member on the Gaza Executive Board is Yakir Gabay, a businessman based in Cyprus, with no Palestinians represented on either senior board. Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the initiative, insisting that Gaza needs a 'cleansing' of Hamas rather than an administrative committee.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid referred to the announcement as a 'diplomatic failure for Israel,' highlighting concerns over the representation of countries that have been critical of Israel's actions in Gaza.

The overarching Board of Peace will comprise world leaders, with President Trump serving as its chairperson. While specific members have yet to be revealed, invitations have been extended to leaders from the UK, Hungary, Argentina, Jordan, Turkey, India, and Egypt. So far, only Viktor Orban of Hungary has confirmed acceptance.

In addition to the political complexities, the United Nations has warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains severe, with around 80% of buildings destroyed or damaged. The harsh winter conditions exacerbate the plight of families struggling without adequate shelter or food.

Israel claims it is facilitating humanitarian assistance, countering allegations that it has impeded the flow of aid into Gaza. The situation underscores the challenges that the new Board of Peace must navigate as it seeks to address both governance and humanitarian needs in the region.