A statement issued by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was not contacted regarding the establishment of the board and does not agree with its formation. The statement added that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar will raise the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in upcoming talks.
The development comes shortly after the White House announced the names of members for the Gaza Board of Peace under former US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. The board is intended to coordinate security arrangements, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction projects in Gaza, while also facilitating reforms within the Palestinian Authority and governance structures.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the proposed board does not align with Israel’s security interests and policy objectives. Israeli officials have expressed concern that such an externally driven administrative body could undermine Israel’s control over security and political matters related to Gaza.
The Trump administration’s plan, announced earlier this month, aims to promote peace and economic development in Gaza, with the proposed board tasked with overseeing governance, international aid coordination, and development initiatives. However, the move has faced immediate opposition from the Israeli government.
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Observers say Israel’s rejection highlights the broader challenges facing internationally led governance reforms in Gaza, given the region’s complex political and security environment. The dispute over the Gaza Board of Peace is expected to feature prominently in upcoming discussions as US and Israeli officials seek to clarify their positions and determine the future course of the peace plan.
