Israel Joins Board of Peace as Netanyahu Skips Upcoming Meeting

Israel has officially joined the international Board of Peace, a diplomatic initiative focused on postwar governance and regional stability marking a significant step in global coordination surrounding Gaza and broader Middle East security.

The announcement came Thursday in a public statement shared by the Board on X, confirming Israel’s formal accession just one day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed the charter in Washington alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The signing took place ahead of Netanyahu’s meeting with President Donald Trump, underscoring the high-level cooperation guiding the effort.

While the initiative is framed around Gaza’s future governance and broader conflict prevention, its scope includes mediating future disputes and supporting international stabilization frameworks. First unveiled at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, the Board of Peace originally launched with 19 signatory nations, positioning itself as a central mechanism for post-conflict diplomacy.

Israel’s entry into the group highlights Jerusalem’s commitment to participating in shaping the long-term political landscape of Gaza and beyond, even as the immediate challenges of war persist.

However, despite the symbolic and strategic weight of Israel joining the Board, Prime Minister Netanyahu will not attend its next high-level meeting in Washington on February 19. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed Thursday evening that Netanyahu will remain in Israel, opting instead to participate virtually in the upcoming AIPAC conference.

His absence from the Board of Peace’s in-person session does not diminish the significance of Israel’s role. Jerusalem’s formal membership signals a readiness to engage internationally on matters of governance and stability in the aftermath of October 7, while maintaining full autonomy in national security matters.

As the global diplomatic community turns its attention to Gaza’s long-term future, Israel’s seat at the table ensures its voice will remain front and center in shaping outcomes that reflect both security needs and regional realities.

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