Israel’s wanted war criminal Netanyahu joins Gaza ‘board of peace’
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation from President Donald Trump to join the “Board of Peace” overseeing Gaza, despite the International Criminal Court having issued a warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest for war crimes in the territory.
The Israeli leader’s office said Netanyahu is to join the initiative, unveiled as part of phase two of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas to end Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
Netanyahu’s controversial participation will add to concerns over the objectivity of the board, which Trump will lead and control its leadership makeup.
Prime Minister's Office announcement:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he accepts the invitation of US President Donald Trump and will become a member of the Board of Peace, which is to be comprised of world leaders.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 21, 2026
Palestinians see Netanyahu’s ‘board of peace’ role as ‘obstacle’ to peace plan
Palestinian officials and residents see Netanyahu’s appointment to the “board of peace” as a hurdle to peace that could help Israel delay the withdrawal of its troops in Gaza beyond the yellow line by appeasing Trump.
Although Palestinian officials have not officially responded to the Israeli leader’s acceptance of the invitation to join the board, they see Netanyahu as an obstacle to any attempt by the Trump administration to move forward on phase two of the ceasefire.
The key point, really, is the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, which is something that the Israelis are not intending to do. But can Netanyahu say “no” bluntly to Trump? We don’t think so, and that’s why he’s accepting this membership.
Whether he’s going to fulfil the duties that were presented by the Trump peace plan, that’s yet to be seen. But there’s a lot, a lot of scepticism here.
Frustration among Palestinians as Netanyahu presented as ‘peacemaker’
For Palestinians, the appointment of Benjamin Netanyahu to the “board of peace” is not just shocking but deeply offensive – he is seen by many as the mastermind of the genocide.
He is viewed as responsible for mass killings, displacement and the destruction of civilian life. From that perspective, how can someone accused of these crimes be branded a peacemaker?
The population is still burying its dead – this is impunity dressed up as diplomacy.
It raises questions about international peace mechanisms, the role of the board of peace, and how it would contribute to long-term stabilisation. There is a growing sense of frustration among families here in Gaza.
