Netanyahu agrees to join Trump’s proposed “peace council” on Gaza

Wednesday 21 January 2026 - 08:30

By: Sahili Aya

Netanyahu agrees to join Trump’s proposed “peace council” on Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation from US President Donald Trump to participate in the so-called “Peace Council,” a new body linked to Washington’s latest initiative for the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu’s office announced on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the council forms part of the second phase of Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, which envisions a lasting end to the conflict and the disarmament of Hamas. The Islamist group has so far rejected these conditions, making the proposal highly contentious.

Media reports suggest that the US administration may seek to broaden the council’s mandate beyond Gaza, potentially transforming it into a forum addressing international crises and conflicts worldwide. Several other countries have reportedly received invitations to join.

Relations between Israel and the White House have shown signs of strain following Washington’s announcement of a “Gaza Executive Board,” a supervisory body placed under the authority of the Peace Council. Netanyahu’s office criticized the move, saying it was made without Israeli consultation and contradicted Israel’s policy.

Israeli officials have also expressed anger over the inclusion of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Thawadi in the proposed framework. Both Turkey and Qatar have been vocal critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and are seen by Israel as supporters of Islamist movements in the region.

President Trump is expected to formally unveil the Peace Council later this week and sign its founding charter, possibly on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Critics argue that the initiative could be intended as an alternative to the United Nations, which Trump has repeatedly described as ineffective.