DaysofPal – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join the so-called “Board of Peace,” an initiative unveiled as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas aimed at ending Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu’s office announced on Wednesday that he would join the body, despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) having issued an arrest warrant against him in 2023 for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.
Credibility Questions and Palestinian Skepticism
The board, envisioned and led by Trump, is presented as an international body tasked with overseeing governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilisation in Gaza. Numerous world leaders have reportedly been invited to join the initiative.
Netanyahu’s decision comes despite his office having previously criticized the composition of the board’s executive committee, particularly the inclusion of Türkiye, a regional rival of Israel. His participation has intensified concerns over the credibility and objectivity of the body, especially given Trump’s continued control over its leadership and membership.
Reporting from Qalandiya in the occupied West Bank, Al Jazeera correspondent Nida Ibrahim said Palestinians widely view Netanyahu as a major obstacle to any genuine progress toward implementing the second phase of Trump’s Gaza plan. She noted that Palestinians believe Netanyahu’s sole interest lies in pushing for the disarmament of Hamas, while remaining unwilling to withdraw Israeli forces beyond the so-called “yellow line,” a core provision of the ceasefire agreement.
Global Invitations and Challenges to the International Order
Netanyahu is not the only invitee facing ICC charges. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is wanted by the court over alleged war crimes related to Russia’s war in Ukraine, was also invited to join the board earlier this week. The Kremlin said it was seeking clarification from Washington regarding the proposal, while Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, has also reportedly been invited.
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has criticized the initiative and called for Israel to assume unilateral control over Gaza’s future. Netanyahu’s office had previously said the board’s executive committee was not coordinated with the Israeli government and ran contrary to its policies.
Countries reported to have accepted invitations include Azerbaijan and Kosovo, while others such as the United Kingdom and the European Union have yet to respond. Board members reportedly include the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Vietnam, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Argentina.
The board’s executive lineup is said to include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Trump’s deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel.
The White House also announced the formation of a separate Gaza Executive Board tasked with implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Trump has indicated his intention to sign the board’s charter on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos and has floated the possibility of expanding its mandate beyond Gaza, prompting speculation that it could sideline the United Nations. China responded by reaffirming its support for the UN-centered international system.
Originally designed to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, the board’s charter reportedly does not limit its authority to the Palestinian territory. Reports indicate that states are required to contribute $1 billion to secure a permanent seat.
Several countries have rejected participation, including Sweden, Norway, and Italy, citing legal, political, and constitutional concerns.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=71523
