Israel has expressed strong concerns over the Trump administration’s recent announcement regarding the composition of a Gaza executive board, saying it was not coordinated with the Israeli government and contradicts official policy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office emphasized that such decisions should align with Israel’s security and diplomatic priorities, particularly regarding sensitive governance matters in the Gaza Strip. The announcement has sparked tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv over regional oversight.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is scheduled to raise the matter directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting Israel’s insistence on consultation before decisions affecting Gaza. Israeli officials did not clarify which specific aspects of the board’s composition contradict national policy, though opposition to foreign involvement in Gaza, particularly from Turkey, appears central to their concern. This step signals Israel’s determination to influence international governance in the region.
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The newly announced executive board includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, UN Middle East peace coordinator Sigrid Kaag, an Israeli-Cypriot billionaire, and a minister from the United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020. Israel has repeatedly opposed Turkish participation in Gaza-related matters, citing longstanding security concerns and regional tensions. As a result, Fidan’s inclusion is seen as particularly contentious.
The White House also confirmed that the board will oversee the second phase of Trump’s plan to end the conflict in Gaza, including establishing a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration. The board, known as the Board of Peace, will be chaired by Trump and tasked with supervising temporary governance, marking a shift from traditional diplomatic channels toward a more internationalized oversight structure.
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Additional board members include US officials such as Marco Rubio, billionaire Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law. Their involvement reflects the administration’s strategy of combining political, financial, and diplomatic expertise to guide governance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel’s objections may shape future consultations and adjustments to the board’s mandate.
Observers note that this development underscores the complexities of international mediation in Gaza, highlighting competing interests among the US, Israel, and regional actors. Israel’s formal protest demonstrates its insistence on maintaining influence over decisions affecting Palestinian territories and preventing external actors from undermining its security framework. Coordination and diplomacy remain essential to avoid escalating tensions.