WEB DESK: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite facing an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, has agreed to join US President Donald Trump’s newly proposed “board of peace.” Announced via social media on Wednesday, Netanyahu’s participation in this initiative instantly raised questions about the board’s impartiality.
The board was introduced as part of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, ending what critics have labeled as Israel’s devastating campaign against Gaza. President Trump envisions the board guiding efforts related to governance, regional relations, investment attraction, funding initiatives, and rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
Though the board has invited numerous world leaders, including some of Netanyahu’s avowed adversaries, his involvement is viewed critically by many. His administration previously voiced reservations about the board’s executive committee, which controversially includes Turkey, a rival in the region. Palestinians and many observers believe that Netanyahu’s primary interest lies in forcing Hamas to disarm rather than pursuing a meaningful or collaborative peace process.
Adding further complications to the initiative’s credibility is the inclusion of other controversial invitees also facing accusations related to international law violations. Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicted by the ICC for actions related to the war in Ukraine, is reportedly considering his invitation after seeking clarity from Washington. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close Putin ally, is also among those invited. Critics argue that including such figures undermines the board’s purported mission of fostering peace.
For Israel’s government itself, divisions over participation in this endeavor are evident. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, representing far-right interests within Netanyahu’s administration, has outright dismissed the initiative, advocating instead for unilateral Israeli control over Gaza’s future. Meanwhile, observers have pointed out that coordination between Trump’s board and Israel’s government appears limited or fraught with disagreements.
Membership on the board extends beyond political leaders, including figures such as UAE and Moroccan representatives, alongside individuals like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and World Bank President Ajay Banga. Additionally, an entirely separate Gaza executive board has been announced as responsible for implementing the intricate policies laid out in phase two of the ceasefire deal.
Trump’s unveiling of the “board of peace” was accompanied by speculation concerning its broader role in global governance. Scheduled to sign its charter at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump hinted at ambitions to expand the board’s scope beyond Gaza towards wider international conflicts. This lending weight to conjecture that the board might aim to supplant the United Nations—an institution often criticized by Trump for inefficiency. However, when pressed on this possibility by reporters, Trump tempered his statement by affirming that while the UN has great potential, it has fallen short.
In response to these developments, China reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining an international system anchored by the United Nations’ principles. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson underscored their nation’s support for the UN as a cornerstone of global governance.
Originally conceived as a mechanism for post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza, this burgeoning “board of peace” has already provoked sharp international debate over its legitimacy and possible consequences for established global diplomacy structures.
