Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the "Board of Peace". Netanyahu's office announced the decision on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. The board aims to bring together world leaders to address global conflicts.

The initiative, originally designed to oversee post-war Gaza rebuilding, extends beyond the Palestinian territory according to its charter. Members must pay up to $1 billion for a permanent seat, as per documents seen by AFP.

Board Structure and Broader Implications

The Board of Peace seeks to promote stability, restore lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in conflict-affected areas, states the charter's preamble. Trump will chair the board and separately represent the United States.Dozens of countries, including US allies and adversaries, have received invitations. Trump announced the board's creation last week, alongside a "Gaza Executive Board" under its umbrella. This sub-board includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi.

A separate committee of 15 Palestinian technocrats, led by Gaza native and former Palestinian Authority deputy minister Ali Shaath, has formed to manage Gaza's day-to-day administration. This forms part of the second phase of a truce plan Trump announced in October 2025. The committee began initial work in Cairo this week.

The board emerges amid strained relations, with ties between Turkey and Israel deteriorating since the Gaza war began in October 2023 after a Hamas attack on Israel.

Responses from Involved Parties

Netanyahu has strongly objected to the inclusion of Fidan and Al-Thawadi on the Gaza Executive Board, according to his office.France, a longtime US ally, has indicated it will not join the board.

No further responses from other invited countries were detailed in the announcement.