US Extends Formal Invitation to Israel for Trump's Peace Initiative
The United States has officially invited Israel to participate in President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" project. This initiative aims to mediate international disputes, according to Reuters reports. While Trump first announced the Board of Peace last September as a localized framework to end the Gaza conflict, the recent invitation sent to global leaders suggests a much wider mission. The board now seeks to address wars on a worldwide scale.
Israel's Stance on the Gaza Executive Board
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has already expressed disapproval of a separate Gaza Executive Board established by Washington last week. Israeli officials argue that the structure of this Gaza-specific body conflicts with Israeli national policy. Operating under the broader Board of Peace, the Gaza board is tasked by the White House with promoting stability and economic growth in the territory. Notably, the board includes no Palestinian representatives.
Netanyahu's office has not publicly detailed its specific grievances. However, the Gaza board's roster features Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and a high-ranking Qatari representative. Israeli leadership has consistently opposed any Turkish presence in Gaza's post-war governance. Israel also maintains a strained and complex relationship with Qatar, which serves as the primary intermediary with Hamas.
The invitation to the overarching global board now places Israel in a position to consider its strategic involvement in Trump's expanding peace architecture.
France Likely to Decline the Invitation
Meanwhile, France is unlikely to respond favorably to an invitation to participate in President Trump's "Board of Peace," as reported by AFP. An official close to President Emmanuel Macron told AFP that the board's charter "goes beyond the sole framework of Gaza." The official added that it raises major questions, particularly regarding respect for the principles and structure of the United Nations.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, France remains aligned with existing international structures. Earlier on Monday, the French foreign ministry emphasized its dedication to the UN. It noted that France is examining the board's legality while expressing concerns that the initiative reaches beyond the Gaza situation.
The ministry stated, "This remains the keystone of effective multilateralism, where international law, the sovereign equality of states, and the peaceful settlement of disputes prevail over arbitrariness, power politics and war."
Canada Refuses to Pay for Board Membership
Canada will not pay to be on Trump's "Board of Peace," AFP reported, citing a government official. The official said, "Canada will not pay for a seat on the board, nor has that been requested of Canada at this time." According to the board's charter, member countries—represented by their head of state or government—would be allowed to join for three years or longer if they paid more than $1.0 billion in cash within the first year.
