Israel Joins Trump’s Board of Peace to Oversee Gaza Ceasefire Plan

Israel has taken a significant diplomatic step by agreeing to join US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, a proposed international body aimed at overseeing the Gaza ceasefire and post-war reconstruction. The decision, announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signals a shift from Israel’s earlier reservations and has triggered political and global reactions.

Why in News?

Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel will join the Board of Peace proposed and chaired by Donald Trump. The board is meant to supervise the Gaza ceasefire and future governance arrangements.

What is Trump’s Board of Peace?

The Board of Peace is a US-led international initiative to manage post-conflict arrangements in Gaza.

• Initially planned as a small group of global leaders.
• Expanded into a larger international coalition.
• Designed to oversee implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Trump has suggested the board could also play a role in resolving other global conflicts, making it broader than a Gaza-only mechanism.

Israel’s Shift in Position and Internal Concerns

Israel’s decision marks a departure from its earlier criticism of the board’s structure.

• Netanyahu’s office earlier objected to the Gaza executive committee’s composition.
• Concerns were raised over the inclusion of Turkey, a regional rival of Israel.
• The move may create friction with far-right coalition allies, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Some Israeli leaders argue Israel should maintain unilateral control over Gaza’s future.

Countries That Have Joined or Been Invited

Several countries have already agreed to participate in the board.

• Confirmed members include United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Vietnam, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Argentina.
• Others such as United Kingdom, Canada, Egypt, Russia, Turkey, and the European Union have received invitations but not yet responded.
• The diversity of invitees reflects Trump’s ambition to create a global conflict-management platform.

Gaza Executive Committee and Its Responsibilities

Under the ceasefire framework, a Gaza executive committee will function under the Board of Peace.

• Implementing the second phase of the ceasefire.
• Deploying an international security force.
• Overseeing the disarmament of Hamas.

Supervising reconstruction and daily administration by Palestinian technocrats.

This committee will play a crucial role in Gaza’s post-war governance.

Controversy Over the United Nations Role

Trump’s comments have sparked controversy about the future of the United Nations.

• Trump suggested the board “might” replace the UN.
• He criticised the UN for failing to reach its potential.
• France strongly opposed this idea, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot rejecting any move to replace the UN.

The proposal has raised concerns about undermining existing global governance structures.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Israel’s decision to join the Board of Peace may create tensions with which group domestically?

A) Opposition parties only
B) Judiciary
C) Far-right coalition allies
D) Military leadership