Netanyahu: Israel Officially Joins Trump-Led Board of Peace

Israel has joined U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced during his Washington visit. Netanyahu met Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday. Visuals released showed Netanyahu signing the document confirming Israel’s accession to the board. He later discussed Iran with Trump during the visit.

The board was authorized by a U.N. Security Council resolution in mid-November to stabilize Gaza. It will supervise Gaza’s temporary governance following a fragile ceasefire in October. Trump said the board, which he chairs, would eventually address other global conflicts. Its first meeting is scheduled for February 19 in Washington, focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction.

Human rights experts criticized the board, saying U.S. oversight of a foreign territory resembles a colonial structure. Israel’s inclusion has sparked concern as Palestinians are not represented. Many countries reacted cautiously to Trump’s invitation. Some Middle Eastern allies joined, while traditional Western allies largely stayed away.

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The Gaza ceasefire has repeatedly been violated, with at least 580 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers killed since October. The next phase of the Gaza plan includes Hamas disarmament, further Israeli withdrawal, and deployment of an international peacekeeping force. Hamas has long rejected disarmament, making the next phase challenging.

Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed over 72,000 people, caused a hunger crisis, and displaced the population. Multiple experts and a U.N. inquiry say it may amount to genocide. Israel maintains its actions are self-defense after a 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages.