Israel has become the latest country to join US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, an international organisation aimed at resolving conflicts worldwide. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his country's participation, despite earlier criticism of the board's executive committee composition.
The board was originally conceived to oversee Gaza's rebuilding, but its charter does not limit its role to that territory. It seeks to 'promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict', according to the charter sent to invited nations. Membership is by invitation only from the US president, with each member serving a term of no more than three years, unless they contribute over $1 billion in cash within the first year, which exempts them from the term limit.
Dozens of countries have received invitations, including close US allies and adversaries such as China, Russia, and Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has declined, prompting a threat from Trump to impose tariffs on French wine. Sweden and Norway have also opted out, citing concerns. The UK expressed unease over Russia's invitation, with a Downing Street spokesperson stating that President Putin 'has shown time and time again he is not serious about peace'.
Hungary, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, and Canada have confirmed participation, though Canada ruled out paying the $1 billion fee for permanent membership. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted it would be 'very hard' to sit alongside Russia, but diplomats are working on the matter. The board will hold annual meetings with decisions by majority vote, with Trump as chairman and also representing the United States.
