Far-right members of Israel's governing coalition have rejected a US-backed plan for postwar governance in Gaza, criticising Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to annex the territory and establish new settlements. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described Netanyahu's 'unwillingness to take responsibility for Gaza' as 'the original sin', urging him to establish a military government and encourage settlement.
The White House announced the creation of a 'Gaza executive board' under a broader 'board of peace' chaired by Donald Trump. The board includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali al-Thawadi, alongside other officials. Smotrich objected to the involvement of Turkey and Qatar, stating that 'the countries that inspired Hamas cannot be the ones that replace it'.
Netanyahu convened a meeting with coalition partners on Sunday to manage tensions. He previously objected to the plan, citing that some appointments were 'not coordinated with Israel'. The prime minister faces a challenge in containing far-right allies, whose support is crucial for his political survival and who opposed the US-brokered ceasefire.
The US plan includes three bodies: the board of peace, a Palestinian technocratic committee, and the advisory Gaza executive board. A draft charter requires member states to contribute $1bn in cash for membership beyond three years. The second phase of the truce plan focuses on disarmament of Hamas and transitional governance in Gaza.
