In a rare occurrence, Israel has openly objected to a decision made by Washington, D.C. Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has criticised the United States' decision to form a board of world leaders who would be overseeing Israel's further steps in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, Reuters reported.
What did Israel say?
Israel's government has criticised the move from its ally and has said that the step was not coordinated with Israel, and that such a committee is against Israel's national policy. Prime Minister Netanyahu has also reportedly asked his foreign ministry to contact US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The 'Board of Peace', floated by US President Donald Trump, was announced by the White House on Friday, January 16. The committee does not have any official representative from Israel. However, the board comprises an Israeli billionaire named Yakir Gabay.
The other members of the board include two close associates of President Trump, a former British Prime Minister, a General from the United States Armed Forces, and a number of top officials from several governments from the countries of the Middle East.
Also Read | Is New York driving away businesses with its high taxes? New data raises alarm
Trump's 'Board of Peace'
The names of the members of the 'Board of Peace' have been kept a secret. The White House has also announced a new committee to look over Gaza's everyday affairs, Reuters reported.
The committee comprises US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and the US President's Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel.
The panel also has members from countries involved in ceasefire talks. These include a diplomat from Qatar and Egypt's intelligence chief. A Cabinet Minister from the United Arab Emirates and Turkey's Foreign Minister are also part of it.
Soon after a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voiced his support. In his statement, he backed Netanyahu and called on him to direct the military to get ready to resume the war, Reuters reported.
