Israel Objects to White House Appointments on Gaza Board of Peace
January 18, 2026
Israel has objected to the White House’s selection of world leaders for the Gaza "board of peace." This board is meant to temporarily manage governance and reconstruction in Gaza. Over the last two days, the White House announced appointments including Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Argentina’s President Javier Milei. Israel said some appointments were "not coordinated with Israel and were contrary to its policy," but did not specify which ones. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the Israeli foreign minister to contact US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Donald Trump called the group the "greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled, at any time, any place." It aims to govern Gaza instead of Hamas, based on Trump’s 20-point war-ending plan. Despite a ceasefire announced in October, violence continues with Israel killing Palestinians; at least 463 deaths happened since the truce. Israel still limits food and aid into Gaza, causing hunger. Most residents live in poor, damaged housing, with some dying of hypothermia in recent cold winters. The board’s exact makeup is unclear. Two boards were announced: a "founding executive board" to focus on investment and foreign ties, and a "Gaza executive board" to oversee daily governance via the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). Marco Rubio is on the seven-member founding board, alongside US envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Tony Blair, with Trump as chair. Blair called the NCAG a "massive step forward," saying it "gives hope to people in Gaza... and to Israelis." There is no confirmation if all invited leaders accepted. Neither Sisi nor Erdogan has confirmed participation. The US ceasefire plan’s second phase includes tough issues like Hamas disarmament, reconstruction, and international security forces. Hamas has not agreed to disarm, and Turkey’s role in security forces faces Israeli objection. The Board of Peace will handle Gaza’s administration and rebuilding after heavy destruction during the long war that killed over 71,000 Palestinians.
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Israel
Gaza
Board Of Peace
Trump
Hamas
Ceasefire
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