Netanyahu Joins Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza Amid Strategic Chaos

The architect of the offensive has joined the table of reconstruction. According to Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—subject to an ICC arrest warrant—has officially joined President Donald Trump’s 'Board of Peace.' This move comes after more than two years of war in Gaza that has left the enclave in ruins and killed over 70,000 Palestinians.

The Netanyahu Trump Board of Peace Paradox

Netanyahu’s participation is a high-stakes gamble. With Israeli elections looming later in 2026, he's trying to align with Washington’s vision for Gaza’s future while maintaining a fragile domestic coalition. His Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, remains adamantly opposed to any reconstruction efforts, viewing Gaza as territory reserved for Jewish settlement.

Despite Netanyahu's objections, the US has pushed forward with the transition to Phase 2 of the ceasefire plan. Furthermore, the Rafah crossing is scheduled to open next week, and the inclusion of Turkiye and Qatar on the Board appears to have been finalized over Israeli protests. It seems Netanyahu's influence over the process is waning under Trump's direct pressure.

Domestic Turmoil and the Absence of Strategy

Inside Israel, the political landscape is fractured. While a minority favors resettling Gaza, most of society is driven by fear following the events of October 2023. Analysts suggest that the government lacks a cohesive long-term strategy, with decisions often dictated by short-term political survival and Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trials.

The humanitarian situation remains dire, with some estimates suggesting the death toll could exceed 100,000. Many Israelis, however, remain disconnected from the reality across the border, as local media rarely showcases the extent of the destruction in Gaza.