In a significant diplomatic move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected a major peace initiative from his nation's closest ally, former US President Donald Trump.
A Rare Diplomatic Rebuke
The office of Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a firm statement on January 17, 2026, objecting to Trump's announcement of a new Gaza 'Board of Peace'. The statement declared that the panel 'was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy'. This public criticism marks a notable departure from the typically strong alliance between the two leaders.
In response, Netanyahu has instructed Israel's foreign ministry to make contact with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the matter. Notably, no official Israeli representatives have been appointed to the committee, although an Israeli businessman was named.
The Composition of the Controversial Board
The newly revealed 'founding executive board' is intended to lead long-term peace efforts in the region and will serve as the operational arm of the broader Board of Peace. The board will reportedly be chaired by Mr. Trump alongside other serving world leaders whose identities remain undisclosed.
Trump heralded the group ahead of its announcement, calling it 'the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place'.
The high-profile list of members includes:
- Former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
- Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
- Former UN special envoy Nickolay Mladenov.
- Billionaire Marc Rowan, World Bank president Ajay Banga, and US deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel.
Phase Two of the Gaza Plan and Wider Reactions
This development comes as the Trump administration stated it was launching 'phase two' of its 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. According to envoy Steve Witkoff, this phase shifts focus beyond the current ceasefire towards demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.
The initial ceasefire took effect on October 10, facilitating the return of remaining hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees, alongside increased humanitarian aid and a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Israeli dissatisfaction is not isolated. Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza's second-largest militant group after Hamas, has also expressed discontent with the executive committee's makeup, claiming it reflects Israeli 'specifications'.
The public rejection by Netanyahu introduces a new layer of complexity to Middle East peace efforts, highlighting potential fissures in a traditionally steadfast international partnership at a critical juncture.
