Netanyahu joins Trump’s Gaza “Board of Peace” amid legal pressures

• Netanyahu accepts Trump’s invitation to join a US-led Gaza “Board of Peace”
• Move comes amid ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and ongoing domestic corruption trials.

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally accepted an invitation from US President Donald Trump to participate in a proposed international “Board of Peace” aimed at addressing the Gaza crisis. Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Wednesday that he will join the initiative’s top body, which seeks to include multiple world leaders.

Legal and domestic challenges

Netanyahu’s participation comes while he faces significant legal hurdles. In 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him over alleged war crimes committed during military operations in Gaza. Domestically, he is defending himself in a long-running corruption trial in Tel Aviv, facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, with court proceedings scheduled shortly after the board announcement.

Read more: France to decline Trump Gaza “Board of Peace” invite: AFP

Context of the initiative

The Board of Peace is described as a US-led effort under the Trump administration intended to address protracted 'Israeli' war on Gaza. While details about the board’s structure, participants, and coordination with existing international organizations remain unclear, the invitation and Netanyahu’s acceptance underscore close alignment between the US and 'Israel' on post-war planning for Gaza.

Read more: Netanyahu criticizes Trump over Gaza executive committee

Regional reactions

Netanyahu’s role is likely to be seen as an attempt to influence Gaza’s reconstruction and peace efforts while countering the ICC’s charges on the international stage. Palestinian authorities and countries critical of 'Israeli' policies, such as Turkey, are expected to view the initiative with skepticism, highlighting concerns over impartiality and the inclusion of Palestinian rights.