Overview
- Netanyahu’s office said on X that he will join the U.S.-led Peace Council focused on the Gaza Strip.
- The council forms the second phase of Trump’s plan that conditions a permanent cease-fire on Hamas disarmament, which Hamas rejects.
- Israel protested the White House’s rollout of the Gaza Executive Board as uncoordinated with its policy and objected to the inclusion of Hakan Fidan and Ali Thawadi.
- Trump is expected to announce the initiative on Thursday, with media reports saying he aims to sign a Peace Council charter on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
- Reporting indicates Washington may broaden the council’s remit to other global crises as European partners respond cautiously and critics warn it could compete with the United Nations.