The BareStory
The Israeli government has formally objected to a White House announcement regarding a new executive committee tasked with overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction and daily affairs. In a statement issued Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office asserted that the plan contradicts Israel’s policy and was not coordinated with the government. Netanyahu has reportedly instructed his foreign minister to contact U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the matter.
The executive committee is designed to implement the vision of a broader "Board of Peace." The announced leadership for the group includes Rubio, President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and World Bank President Ajay Banga. While the list includes an Israeli businessman, it features no Israeli government officials. Following the announcement, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to prepare the military to resume the war, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed the committee reflected Israeli specifications.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is soliciting international participation and funding for the initiative. A U.S. official confirmed that while general membership is free, countries can secure a permanent seat on the Board of Peace by contributing $1 billion. Those funds are designated for the reconstruction of Gaza. According to reports citing a draft charter, members who do not pay the fee would serve three-year terms, and President Trump is expected to serve as the inaugural chairman with final decision-making authority.
Invitations to join the board have been extended to a wide range of world leaders. The Kremlin confirmed on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin received an offer and is studying the details. Other nations confirming invitations include Canada, Argentina, Egypt, Turkey, India, and Pakistan. A senior aide indicated that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney intends to accept the invitation, while officials in Ankara and Cairo stated they are reviewing the proposals. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff described these developments as part of the second phase of a peace plan, which involves establishing a new Palestinian committee, deploying international security, and disarming Hamas.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
The US administration is assuming direct oversight of Gaza’s reconstruction through a new committee led by American officials, signaling a major shift in foreign policy involvement.
Diplomatic friction between the US and Israel may intensify as the Israeli government objects to the plan’s lack of coordination and internal calls regarding military action resume.
Reconstruction efforts are structured to rely on international contributions, with foreign nations asked to pay $1 billion for permanent influence rather than relying solely on US funding.
The inclusion of diverse global leaders, including an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggests the US is pursuing broader international coalitions to manage regional security.
