JERUSALEM, Israel (Diya TV) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation from President Donald Trump to join the newly announced Board of Peace, a body Trump says will help oversee stability and development in conflict-affected regions, including Gaza. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the decision in a statement and a post on the social media platform X. It said Netanyahu agreed to become a member of the board, which Trump has described as a group of world leaders tasked with promoting long-term peace and governance.
The announcement comes as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas enters a critical phase and as questions grow about the board’s purpose, leadership, and legitimacy.
The Board of Peace emerged as part of phase two of Trump’s proposed ceasefire and peace plan for Gaza. U.S. officials say the body will oversee reconstruction, economic growth, and governance reforms after the war.
However, a leaked draft of the board’s charter does not explicitly mention Gaza or the Palestinian territories. Instead, it frames the board as a broad international organization meant to promote stability and lawful governance in areas threatened by conflict. Critics say the language suggests the board could replace or sideline existing United Nations roles. Supporters argue it offers a faster and more flexible alternative to global institutions, often criticized for slow action.
Trump will serve as chairman of the Board of Peace while also acting as the U.S. representative. According to the charter, the chair will hold exclusive authority to create, change, or dissolve subsidiary bodies tied to the board’s mission.
A U.S. official said Trump could remain chairman until he chooses to resign. Future U.S. presidents could appoint a different representative. Trump has also named a seven-member founding Executive Board. It includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Netanyahu’s participation has raised concerns about the board’s neutrality. Israel remains a central party to the Gaza conflict, and some analysts question whether the prime minister can serve as both stakeholder and peace overseer.
Those concerns have grown because Netanyahu’s office previously criticized the makeup of the Gaza Executive Board. Israeli officials objected to the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar, both of which helped broker the ceasefire but maintain tense relations with Israel. On Saturday, Netanyahu’s office said the Gaza Executive Board was formed without Israeli coordination and contradicted Israel’s policy.
Several countries have already agreed to join the Board of Peace. They include Bahrain, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, along with Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Turkey, and Vietnam.
Other nations have shown hesitation. Norway said it would not join, citing unanswered questions about the proposal. France and Sweden also signaled they would stay out. Canada, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Turkey have received invitations but have not announced decisions. The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo received an invitation. Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the pope would take time before responding.
The leaked charter says the board’s rules will take effect once three states formally agree. Member states will receive renewable three-year terms. Countries that contribute $1 billion can secure a permanent seat.
The document describes the board as an international organization that will act in line with international law. A U.N. Security Council resolution adopted in November authorized the Board of Peace as a transitional administration for Gaza. That mandate would expire at the end of 2027.
Trump named Nickolay Mladenov, a former U.N. Middle East envoy, as the board’s on-the-ground representative in Gaza. Mladenov will work with a proposed Palestinian technocratic government tasked with restoring services and rebuilding institutions.
Phase two of the ceasefire faces major obstacles. Hamas has refused to disarm without a clear path to a Palestinian state. Israel has not committed to a full withdrawal from Gaza. The ceasefire remains fragile. Gaza health officials say hundreds of Palestinians have died in Israeli strikes since the strikes began. Israel reports the deaths of three soldiers in Palestinian attacks.
The war began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 others. Israeli military operations in Gaza have since killed more than 71,550 people, according to local health authorities. Netanyahu’s decision to join the Board of Peace places Israel at the center of a new and controversial effort to shape Gaza’s future, even as fighting, diplomacy, and debate continue.
