Netanyahu accepts Trump’s invitation to join ‘Board of Peace’

WEB DESK: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation from US President Donald Trump to become a member of the newly formed “Board of Peace,” designed to address conflicts and promote stability in regions affected or threatened by war, Netanyahu’s office announced Wednesday.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s office said Netanyahu “has accepted the invitation to join as a member of the Board of Peace, which will include leaders from around the world.” The initiative aims to bring together international figures to support peace-building efforts, with an initial focus on post-war reconstruction in Gaza.

Board’s Structure and Membership

The charter of the Board, reviewed by AFP, indicates that its role is not limited to Palestinian territories. Membership requires a financial contribution of up to $1 billion for permanent inclusion. According to the document, the Board seeks to “promote stability, restore dependable governance, and secure enduring peace” in conflict-affected areas. President Trump will chair the Board and represent the United States in an official capacity.

Several global leaders have reportedly received invitations, including both US allies and nations historically at odds with Washington. UAE President and Bahrain’s King have already accepted, while France has publicly declined participation.

Executive Board Controversy

Alongside the Board, Trump plans to establish a Gaza Executive Board, featuring Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi. Netanyahu has expressed strong objections to their inclusion, citing longstanding tensions between Israel and Turkey following the October 2023 Gaza conflict sparked by Hamas attacks.

The initiative reflects Trump’s ongoing efforts to position himself as a central mediator in international conflicts, drawing attention from a mix of supporters and critics worldwide. Netanyahu’s participation marks a high-profile endorsement, though challenges remain in balancing regional politics and historical rivalries within the Board’s framework.

Pakistan invited to join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza

Last week, Pakistan received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the proposed “Board of Peace,” aimed at coordinating international efforts for stability, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction in Gaza. The initiative plans to involve world leaders and countries to address the ongoing crisis and supervise a transitional phase following the fragile ceasefire in the region.

Pakistan has reiterated that its priorities include an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and uninterrupted humanitarian assistance. The Foreign Office emphasized that any engagement would focus on practical support for the Palestinian people, not on political alignments, and would work toward a just and sustainable solution in line with UN resolutions.

The board is expected to include prominent figures such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and World Bank President Ajay Banga, with other leaders like Canada’s Mark Carney and Egypt’s Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi also invited.