Politics

Israel has officially joined U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday. This declaration came during his visit to Washington, where he met with Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Earlier that day, visuals from the meeting showed Netanyahu and Rubio holding a document that included Netanyahu’s signature confirming Israel's membership on the board. Netanyahu stated on X that he “signed Israel’s accession as a member of the ‘Board of Peace.’” Following this, he talked about Iran with Trump. A U.N. Security Council resolution passed in mid-November gave authorization for the board and allied countries to set up an international stabilization force in Gaza. This initiative follows a fragile ceasefire that started in October, which was part of a Trump plan that both Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas agreed to. The board is intended to oversee Gaza's temporary governance as part of Trump’s plan. Trump mentioned that he would chair the board and that it would be broadened to address global conflicts. The board is set to hold its first meeting on February 19 in Washington, focusing on the rebuilding of Gaza. Many rights experts have criticized Trump’s role in managing a board that oversees a foreign territory, arguing it resembles a colonial approach. The inclusion of Israel on the board is likely to attract more criticism since there is no Palestinian representative. Countries have responded cautiously to Trump’s invitation to join this board, which was launched in late January, and many experts worry that it might weaken the role of the United Nations.