Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that he will participate in President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace, following earlier criticism of the composition of its executive committee.
Netanyahu affirmed his involvement in the recently established Board of Peace, which the Trump administration says will oversee the next phase of the Gaza peace plan.
The Israeli prime minister’s announcement comes after he initially resisted Trump’s proposal, which followed the appointment of Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi to a separate “Gaza Executive Board.”
Netanyahu’s office noted that this action was not coordinated with Israel and “runs contrary to its policy.”
The announcement aligns with Trump’s trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he is expected to share more details about the board. A White House official confirmed the president plans to convene a session of the Board of Peace during his visit.
On Tuesday, when asked if the board should replace the United Nations, Trump replied, “It might.”
Trump said the global body “hasn’t been very helpful” and “never lived up to its potential,” but added the U.N. should continue to exist “because the potential is so great.”
On Jan. 16, the White House stated the Board of Peace will play an “essential role” in implementing all 20 points of the president’s peace plan, including providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.
Dozens of countries received invitations over the weekend, according to officials, including Belarus, China, Ukraine, India, Canada, Argentina, Jordan, Egypt, Hungary, and Vietnam, among others.
Other entities, including the European Union’s executive arm, confirmed they have received invitations but have not yet responded.
On Monday, Trump confirmed Russian President Vladimir Putin was invited to join the new board.
The Kremlin said Putin received the invitation and is “studying the details,” adding it will seek clarity on “all the nuances” in communications with the U.S. government.
France also received an invitation but does not plan to join “at this stage,” per a French official close to President Emmanuel Macron.
The White House said Trump will chair the Board of Peace, joined by senior political, diplomatic, and business figures including Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, and billionaire Marc Rowan.
Digital’s Landon Mion, Ashley Carnahan, Gillian Turner, and additional contributors