Jerusalem / Washington — Israel has formally objected to the announcement of an executive committee for the proposed Gaza Peace Council, saying the move was made without prior coordination with Israeli authorities.
In a statement, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had not been consulted on the committee’s formation. The statement added that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar would raise Israel’s concerns with his U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio.
Correspondents in the region described the statement as potentially signaling the first open public rift of this kind between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, following Washington’s announcement of the parties involved in the council, which is chaired by the U.S. president.
Objections Focus on Turkey and Qatar
Israeli media reported that Israel’s main objection centers on the participation of Turkey and Qatar. The Peace Council, unveiled by the White House on Friday, includes Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, and Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashad. Israel has repeatedly opposed any Turkish role in Gaza.
Hardline Calls Inside Israel
The announcement prompted sharp reactions from senior Israeli politicians. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Gaza does not need an administrative body for reconstruction, but rather renewed military action to dismantle Hamas and encourage what he described as voluntary migration.
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett argued that allowing Turkey and Qatar a role in Gaza would amount to rewarding Hamas for the October 7 attack and could undermine Israel’s security.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized Netanyahu for not establishing direct Israeli control over Gaza, saying countries that have supported or hosted Hamas should have no role in the territory’s future.
U.S. Plan Moves Forward
Despite Israel’s objections, the White House said the Peace Council and a Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with administering Gaza are part of the second phase of Washington’s plan to end the war. The Palestinian committee is headed by Ali Shaath and has begun meetings in Cairo.
The dispute underscores growing uncertainty over post-war governance in Gaza, as U.S.-led diplomatic efforts advance amid resistance from Israel’s current leadership.
