Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation to join a new Board of Peace led by U.S. President Donald Trump. This board aims to include leaders from various countries in efforts to promote peace.
Initially, the board seemed to target resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. However, its charter does not mention the Palestinian territories, raising concerns that it might overshadow the role of the United Nations in peace efforts.
Pope Leo has also been invited to join, though Cardinal Pietro Parolin noted that the Vatican would take time to consider this invitation. Other countries like Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and several others have already agreed to participate. In contrast, countries such as Norway, France, and Sweden have refused the invitation, citing concerns over the proposal.
The Board’s charter will be activated when three states express their consent. Members can secure a renewable three-year term, or a permanent seat if they contribute $1 billion. The stated mission is to “promote stability” and foster “enduring peace” in areas threatened by conflict, in line with international law.
Trump will chair the board, maintaining authority over its operations. He will appoint leaders to an Executive Board responsible for guiding initiatives. Recently, the founding Executive Board was named, notably including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, who is Trump’s son-in-law.
Nickolay Mladenov, a well-regarded Bulgarian politician and former UN envoy, has been designated as the representative on the ground in Gaza. He is tasked with connecting with a Palestinian technocratic government aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and restoring public services after the conflict.
The ongoing situation is fragile. The ceasefire, which began following a brutal attack by Hamas on Israel, has not yet fully stabilized, with continuing violence reported on both sides. Over 460 Palestinians have reportedly died since the ceasefire began, and three Israeli soldiers have also been killed.
These dynamics illustrate the challenges of establishing lasting peace in the region. The war began with a devastating attack on October 7, 2023, leading to a drastic escalation in hostilities.
In a recent poll by a leading research center, public opinion shows a growing skepticism about the effectiveness of external peace efforts, with only 28% of Israelis expressing confidence in the board’s approach. Meanwhile, social media reactions highlight a mix of frustration and hope among citizens on both sides.
As developments unfold, observers will be watching closely to see if this board can navigate the complex landscape of Middle Eastern politics and contribute to meaningful solutions for peace. For further details, you can refer to the United Nations Middle East policy.
