The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a sharp rebuke on Saturday, stating that a major U.S. announcement regarding Gaza's future was made without its agreement and directly opposes Israeli government policy.
U.S. Announcement Sparks Diplomatic Friction
On Friday, the White House unveiled the composition of an executive board for Gaza, a move that forms part of a broader ceasefire and reconstruction plan. However, the Netanyahu government quickly distanced itself from the development. A statement from the Prime Minister's office confirmed the announcement was "not coordinated with Israel" and that it "ran counter to government policy."
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is set to raise the issue directly with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Israeli statement did not specify which elements of the board's makeup were problematic, and a government spokesperson declined to provide further comment.
Turkish Inclusion a Key Point of Contention
A primary source of Israel's objection appears to be the inclusion of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the newly formed board. Israel has repeatedly and firmly opposed any formal Turkish role in Gaza's governance or reconstruction. The historical and ongoing tensions between Israel and Turkey make this appointment particularly sensitive for the Netanyahu administration.
Other named members of the executive board include Sigrid Kaag, the United Nations special coordinator for the Middle East peace process; an Israeli-Cypriot billionaire; and a minister from the United Arab Emirates. The UAE normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.
The "Board of Peace" and Ceasefire Plan
This executive board is part of the second phase of a plan originally announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in September to end the war in Gaza. This phase involves creating a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration to govern the enclave. Washington confirmed the start of this phase earlier this week.
The first members of the overarching "Board of Peace," which will be chaired by President Trump and tasked with supervising Gaza's temporary governance, were also named. This board includes Secretary of State Rubio, billionaire developer Steve Witkoff, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The developments occur against a backdrop of immense human suffering in Gaza. Displaced Palestinians continue to live amongst the rubble of homes and businesses destroyed during more than two years of military strikes, as seen in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.
