The Israeli government has voiced significant objections to the composition of a major US-led committee established to oversee the long-term rebuilding and governance of Gaza, a move that introduces fresh tension into the Middle East peace process.
Israel's Firm Objection to Uncoordinated Move
On Saturday 17 January 2026, the Israeli government issued a pointed statement, declaring that the newly formed executive committee "was not co-ordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy". The committee is part of US President Donald Trump's initiative for the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly instructed the foreign ministry to make immediate contact with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the matter. This swift diplomatic response underscores the seriousness with which Jerusalem views the development.
The High-Profile Executive Board
The White House published the list for the "founding executive board" on Friday. It is designed to be the operational arm of a broader Gaza "Board of Peace", which aims to prevent future conflict in the territory. The main board will be chaired by Mr Trump alongside other serving world leaders whose names have not yet been released.
The executive board features several prominent international figures. Former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair is listed, who said he was "honoured" to be named. The board also includes:
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff
- Mr Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner
- Former UN Special Envoy Nickolay Mladenov
- Billionaire investor Marc Rowan
- World Bank President Ajay Banga
- US Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel
According to the White House, these members will hold specialist portfolios to help drive stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, operationalising the broader board's vision.
Phase Two of the Trump Plan
President Trump framed the announcement as the launch of "phase two" of a 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff indicated this phase would shift focus beyond a ceasefire towards core long-term challenges: demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and large-scale reconstruction.
Sir Tony Blair also appears on a separate, longer list for a "Gaza executive board", which seems tasked with advising a newly established interim government for the region. The creation of these overlapping structures signals a comprehensive, though contentious, approach to post-conflict administration.
The immediate and firm rejection from Israel presents a substantial hurdle for the initiative, highlighting the deep-seated political complexities that any Gaza reconstruction plan must navigate. The coming days will test the diplomatic channels between the US and its ally as they seek to reconcile these differing policies.
