The Israeli government formally expressed discontent over the composition of the Gaza Executive Board promoted by Donald Trump, deeming it uncoordinated with Tel Aviv and contrary to its policy. The reaction followed the announcement of members including representatives from Turkey and Qatar, countries with complex ties to the conflict. Israel instructed its foreign minister to contact the United States for explanations.
Background of the peace council
The Peace Council for Gaza was announced by President Donald Trump in October 2025 as part of a plan to end hostilities in the region. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was signed on October 9 in Egypt and received UN Security Council approval. The body will oversee the political, economic, and security transition in the Gaza Strip, with its first formal meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The controversial composition
The Gaza Executive Board, subordinate to the Council, is a transitional Palestinian technocratic government known as the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG), comprising 15 members and led by Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority official. Its functions include restoring public services, managing reconstruction funds, institutional stabilization, and coordinating an International Stabilization Force to ensure security and advance Hamas disarmament.
The founding executive council includes Trump as president, Marco Rubio (U.S. Secretary of State), Tony Blair (former British Prime Minister), Jared Kushner (Trump's son-in-law), Steve Witkoff (U.S. special envoy for the Middle East), Ajay Banga (World Bank president), and Marc Rowan (CEO of Apollo Global Management). Argentine President Javier Milei was invited as a founding member and endorsed the initiative, stating his country “will always stand with those fighting terrorism.” Invitations were also extended to Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Turkey) and Abdelfattah al Sisi (Egypt), along with figures like Nickolay Mladenov as the Council's representative in Gaza.
Israeli reaction
On Saturday, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated on social media: “The announcement regarding the composition of the Gaza Executive Board [...] was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy.” The Netanyahu government particularly questioned the inclusion of representatives from Turkey and Qatar, given their tense relations with Israel but open channels with Hamas. The prime minister instructed the Foreign Minister to contact the U.S. Secretary of State.
From the White House, Trump defended the council as “the biggest and most prestigious ever assembled,” aimed at laying foundations for lasting peace. This tension highlights the challenges in implementing the plan among Washington's allies, despite Israel's initial endorsement of the ceasefire.
