Israel Critiques Trump's Gaza 'Board of Peace', Involving Controversial Appointments

Mon Jan 19 2026 12:23:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed discontent with the recently announced Gaza Executive Board, which includes key figures like Turkey's foreign minister and Jared Kushner, marking a significant deviation from Israel's preferred approach.

Israeli officials have voiced strong objections to the appointments made by former President Trump's Gaza Executive Board, which is tasked with overseeing the peace process and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Key figures involved have raised concerns over the inclusion of individuals from states critical of Israel, with many calling the initiative a diplomatic failure. As humanitarian crises persist in Gaza, discussions surrounding the future governance and reconstruction efforts are becoming increasingly contentious.

Israel's leader Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a meeting with his top advisers to discuss US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza, after Israel said it was not included in talks about the makeup of one of the board's lower bodies.

The US on Saturday named the first members of the Gaza Executive Board - including Turkey's foreign minister, a Qatari official, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Netanyahu's office has since said this was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy.

The Board of Peace is part of Trump's 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas war and is expected to temporarily oversee the running of Gaza.

The exact structure of the board, which will also manage Gaza's reconstruction, remains unclear and members are still being invited.

The Gaza Executive Board will be responsible for overseeing all on-the-ground work of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), according to a statement from the White House.

A second body, the founding Executive Board - which also includes Kushner and Blair - will focus on investment and diplomacy.

So far, the only Israeli member on the Gaza Executive Board is Yakir Gabay, a businessman born in Israel and now based in Cyprus. There are no Palestinians on either senior board.

Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that the Gaza Strip does not require any administrative committee for its rehabilitation but needs to be cleansed of Hamas terrorists.

Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid referred to the announcement as a diplomatic failure for Israel. Officials from Qatar and Turkey, who have been critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza, are confirmed members of the advisory panel.

The overarching Board of Peace will comprise world leaders, with President Trump as its chairman, as announced by the White House. While those members have not been publicly disclosed, leaders from the UK, Hungary, Argentina, Jordan, Turkey, India, and Egypt have reportedly received invitations.

Governments have proceeded with caution regarding this initiative, with only Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban confirming his acceptance of the role.

The White House claims that the chosen members will work towards ensuring effective governance and the delivery of best-in-class services that advance peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of Gaza.

On Saturday, the United Nations indicated that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is far from over, with estimates suggesting around 80% of buildings have been destroyed or damaged. Families are grappling with the winter weather amidst a lack of food and shelter.

Olga Cherevko from the UN aid coordination office mentioned that aid delivery and road repairs since the ceasefire have served only as a band-aid rather than a solution. Israel has argued that any restrictions imposed on aid distribution are necessary to prevent Hamas from exploiting relief efforts.