Post by : Saif Rahman

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has announced his participation in U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly established Board of Peace for Gaza, marking a significant alteration in his public approach. This decision follows previous criticism from Netanyahu’s office regarding the board’s structure, particularly the Gaza committee.

The Board of Peace was initially presented as a small gathering of world leaders intended to facilitate a ceasefire plan for Gaza. However, its scope has evolved. President Trump has extended invitations to numerous countries, indicating that the board may play a role in addressing conflicts beyond Gaza, prompting both interest and apprehension among global leaders.

Initially, Netanyahu’s office opposed the inclusion of Turkey in the Gaza executive committee, viewing the country as a regional competitor. They contended that the committee's formation lacked proper coordination and did not align with Israel’s policies. Despite these concerns, Netanyahu’s recent decision implies he believes participating is more advantageous than remaining outside the process.

This decision could lead to internal tensions within Israel's government. Some of Netanyahu’s far-right allies, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have criticized this board vehemently, insisting that Israel should oversee Gaza’s future independently, thus potentially challenging the solidarity of his coalition.

Several nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Vietnam, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Argentina, have confirmed their participation in the board. Meanwhile, countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Egypt, Russia, Turkey, and the European Union have received invitations but have yet to respond.

The announcement coincided with President Trump's visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where additional details about the board's operational structure are anticipated. Numerous questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding the board's authority and the leaders involved.

Trump has ignited discussions by proposing that the board might even supplant the United Nations in certain capacities. While he critiques the U.N. for its inadequacies, he also maintains that it should persist. This ambivalence has caused concern among some nations, including France, which supports Trump’s peace initiative yet opposes the establishment of an entity that would replace the U.N.

According to the ceasefire plan, the board’s Gaza executive committee will tackle the challenging subsequent phase, which includes deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, reconstructing Gaza, and managing a group of Palestinian technocrats to oversee everyday affairs in the region.

The White House has confirmed that the board comprises a diverse range of individuals, from high-ranking U.S. officials to international diplomats and business leaders. A separate executive group will address broader issues while a representative will supervise daily operations in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s choice to participate in the board highlights the multifaceted decisions confronting Israel as it navigates security concerns, global pressure, and regional dynamics. The potential effectiveness of this new board in achieving peace in Gaza remains uncertain, yet its establishment has already altered the global dialogue.

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