Netanyahu Voices Strong Disagreement with US on Gaza Governance Plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly criticized the United States administration. He targeted the composition of a newly announced Gaza governing body. This marks a rare public disagreement with President Donald Trump's White House.
Statement Highlights Lack of Coordination
In a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu expressed clear concerns. He said the announcement on the Gaza Executive Board was made without any coordination with Israel. He emphasized that this move runs directly counter to Israeli policy.
The statement, as reported, was firm. It declared the announcement regarding the board's composition was not coordinated with Israel and contradicts its policy. This board is subordinate to a larger Board of Peace.
Turkish Involvement Sparks Israeli Ire
The White House had earlier named both an Executive Board and a separate Gaza Executive Board. These are part of a broader Gaza ceasefire and governance plan. A key point of contention appears to be the inclusion of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the Gaza board.
Turkey maintains strained relations with Israel, despite its contacts with Hamas. This inclusion is believed to be a primary reason behind Netanyahu's decision to issue the critical statement.
Diplomatic Channels Activated
In response, Netanyahu has instructed Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to raise Israel's concerns directly. Sa'ar is to speak with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This instruction is notable because Sa'ar has been largely sidelined from handling Israel-US relations in recent months.
Those relations have instead been managed through Netanyahu's office and his close advisers. This move signals a shift in diplomatic engagement on this specific issue.
Details of the US Gaza Governance Plan
The US administration outlined a plan to be overseen by a Board of Peace led by President Trump. An executive committee of international figures would supervise the process.
Key International Figures on the Committee
The executive committee includes prominent names:
- US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio
- White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff
- Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner
- Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
- World Bank President Ajay Banga
- Apollo Global Management Chief Marc Rowan
Regional and Special Representatives
The plan also names several regional representatives:
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
- Qatari Diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi
- Egypt's Intelligence Chief Gen Hassan Rashad
- UAE Cabinet Minister Reem Al-Hashimy
Other members appointed to specific roles include:
- Maj Gen Jasper Jeffers to lead an international stabilisation force
- Former UN Middle East Envoy Nickolay Mladenov as High Representative for Gaza
- UN Humanitarian Coordinator Sigrid Kaag
- Israeli businessman Yakir Gabay, providing an unofficial Israeli presence
- Ali Shaath as head of the new Palestinian committee for Gaza's daily affairs
Plan Enters Second Phase
The White House states the plan has now entered its second phase. This phase includes:
- International security deployment
- Disarmament of Hamas
- Reconstruction of Gaza
Netanyahu's public statement, however, signals clear Israeli discomfort. It highlights that key elements of this US plan are being advanced without prior coordination with Jerusalem. This open criticism underscores ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding the future governance of Gaza.
