At a Glance
- Israel publicly criticized the White House’s newly announced Gaza executive committee
- The panel includes no Israeli officials but features billionaire Yakir Gabay
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered outreach to Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Why it matters: The rift signals fresh friction between Israel and its closest ally over Gaza’s future
Israel has issued a rare public rebuke of the United States after the White House unveiled a high-level international committee to steer Gaza’s reconstruction and governance.
The committee, announced Friday, will operate under President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” and includes no representative from Israel’s government, prompting swift backlash from Jerusalem.
Israel Objects to Lack of Coordination
Netanyahu’s office released a statement Saturday saying the committee “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy,” without elaborating on which aspects conflict with Israeli goals. The prime minister instructed the foreign ministry to contact Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to the statement.
Who Sits on the Executive Committee
The 11-member body combines Trump allies, regional power brokers, and global financiers:
- Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
- Steve Witkoff, Trump envoy
- Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law
- Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister
- Marc Rowan, Apollo Global Management CEO
- Ajay Banga, World Bank President
- Robert Gabriel, Deputy National Security Adviser
- Yakir Gabay, Israeli billionaire
- Qatar’s diplomat
- Egypt’s intelligence chief
- UAE Cabinet minister
- Turkey’s foreign minister
Notably absent is any Israeli government official.
Far-Right Minister Urges Return to War
Minutes after Netanyahu’s statement, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir endorsed the prime minister’s stance and urged the military to “prepare to return to war,” underscoring domestic pressure to reject external oversight of Gaza.
Ceasefire Moves to Phase Two
The Trump administration said this week that the U.S.-brokered ceasefire has entered its “challenging second phase.” That stage envisions:
- A new Palestinian committee managing daily affairs in Gaza
- Deployment of an international security force
- Disarmament of Hamas
- Large-scale reconstruction
The truce began Oct. 10 with hostage-prisoner exchanges and a surge of humanitarian aid.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad Also Critical
Gaza’s second-largest militant group complained the committee reflects Israeli “specifications,” joining Israel in opposing the panel’s composition, albeit for opposite reasons.
Trump Courts Regional Leaders
President Trump addressed Israeli lawmakers at the Knesset before heading to an Egypt-hosted Middle East peace summit, seeking backing for his broader plan.
Key Takeaways
- Israel’s open criticism highlights tension over who controls Gaza’s future
- The committee’s mix of Trump allies and regional figures excludes both Israeli officials and Hamas
- With ceasefire negotiations delicate, any perceived sidelining of Israel could complicate Phase Two implementation
