Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday he will join President Donald Trump’s newly formed Gaza Board of Peace, reversing his earlier criticism of the panel’s structure after initial concerns raised by Israel were addressed, as reported by Fox News.
Netanyahu confirmed his participation after previously pushing back against the Trump administration’s proposal following the appointment of Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi to a separate body known as the Gaza Executive Board.
Netanyahu’s office said at the time that the move was not coordinated with Israel and “runs contrary to its policy.”
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Despite that disagreement, Netanyahu said Wednesday that he would join the Gaza Board of Peace, which the Trump administration has said will supervise the next phase of its Gaza peace plan.
Prime Minister's Office announcement: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he accepts the invitation of US President Donald Trump and will become a member of the Board of Peace, which is to be comprised of world leaders.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 21, 2026
The announcement comes as President Trump travels to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he is expected to provide further details about the initiative.
Fox News confirmed that Trump is planning to arrange a signing ceremony for the Gaza Board of Peace during his visit.
On Tuesday, Trump was asked whether the new board could replace the United Nations.
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“It might,” Trump said. He added that the world body “hasn’t been very helpful” and “has never lived up to its potential,” while also stating that the U.N. should continue to exist “because the potential is so great.”
According to the White House, the Board of Peace will play an “essential role” in implementing all 20 points of the president’s Gaza plan.
In a statement issued Jan. 16, officials said the board’s responsibilities will include providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza moves from conflict toward peace and development.
Dozens of countries have been invited to participate, with invitations sent over the weekend, according to U.S. officials.
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Those invited include Belarus, China, Ukraine, India, Canada, Argentina, Jordan, Egypt, Hungary, and Vietnam. Other governments, including the executive arm of the European Union, confirmed they received invitations but have not yet responded.
On Monday, Trump confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was among those invited to join the board.
The Kremlin acknowledged receipt of the invitation, saying Putin is “studying the details” and that Moscow will seek clarification on “all the nuances” through communications with the U.S. government.
France also received an invitation, but a French official close to President Emmanuel Macron said the country does not plan to join “at this stage.”
The White House has said Trump will chair the Board of Peace and will be joined by senior political, diplomatic, and business figures.
Those named include Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, and billionaire investor Marc Rowan.
With Netanyahu’s decision to participate, the Trump administration is moving forward with its effort to assemble a broad international coalition to oversee the next phase of its Gaza peace initiative.
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