WASHINGTON: Israel has formally joined US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday during his visit to Washington, where he met with Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Read More: Netanyahu accepts Trump’s invite to join global ‘Board of Peace‘
Visuals released after the Netanyahu-Rubio meeting showed the two leaders holding a document bearing Netanyahu’s signature confirming Israel’s accession to the board. Netanyahu also shared the development on X, noting that he had signed Israel as a member, and later discussed Iran with President Trump.
❌ ➜ Netanyahu signed the agreement to join the “Board of Peace.”
Israel will be the only country exempt from paying the $1 billion entry fine. pic.twitter.com/SqbBvxeudG
— Parody Jeff (@BackupJeffx) February 11, 2026
The Board of Peace was authorised by a UN Security Council resolution in mid-November to help stabilise Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire began in October under a Trump-mediated plan agreed upon by Israel and Hamas. Under the initiative, the board is tasked with overseeing Gaza’s temporary governance and, according to Trump, will be expanded to address other global conflicts. The first official meeting of the board is scheduled for February 19 in Washington, focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction.
Israel’s participation is expected to attract criticism, as the board currently does not include any Palestinian representatives. Human rights experts have warned that the initiative, with Trump overseeing foreign territory affairs, risks resembling a colonial structure. Some analysts also caution that it could undermine the United Nations’ authority.
The ceasefire in Gaza has faced repeated violations, resulting in at least 580 Palestinian casualties since October, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. The next phase of Trump’s plan seeks to resolve contentious issues, including Hamas’ disarmament, further Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the deployment of an international peacekeeping force.
Read More: Trump-led board of peace to hold inaugural leaders meeting
Rights organisations and UN inquiries have raised alarm over the humanitarian impact of Israel’s operations in Gaza, citing over 72,000 deaths, severe hunger crises, and the internal displacement of the entire population. Some experts describe the ongoing situation as amounting to genocide, highlighting the urgency and complexity of international diplomatic engagement.