Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted US President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the newly formed “Board of Peace,” aimed at resolving global conflicts and overseeing post-war reconstruction efforts, Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Wednesday.

According to a statement from his office, Netanyahu “has accepted US President Trump’s invitation and will serve as a member of the Board of Peace, which will include world leaders.”

Originally conceived to supervise the rebuilding of Gaza following the 2023 conflict, the board’s mandate, as outlined in its charter seen by AFP, extends beyond the Palestinian territory. Membership reportedly requires contributions of up to $1 billion for a permanent position.

The charter states the board’s mission is to “promote stability, restore dependable governance, and secure lasting peace in regions affected or threatened by conflict.” Trump will chair the board and act as the official representative of the United States.

Several countries and world leaders have received invitations, including US allies and adversaries alike. France, a longtime partner of the United States, has publicly declined to participate.

In addition to the main board, Trump announced a “Gaza Executive Board” to operate under its umbrella. The proposed board would include Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, appointments to which Netanyahu has expressed strong objections. Relations between Israel and Turkey have worsened since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023 following Hamas’ unprecedented attacks.

Separately, a committee of 15 Palestinian technocrats, led by former Palestinian Authority deputy minister Ali Shaath, began work this week in Cairo to oversee Gaza’s day-to-day administration, marking the second phase of the truce plan announced by Trump last October.

AFP