Arab Nations Join Trump Peace Board, but Israel Remains Wary of Gaza Promises

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Eight prominent Muslim-majority countries announced their decision this week to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, a move framed by its supporters as a step toward stability — but viewed in Israel with deep skepticism given past regional failures in Gaza.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates said they will appoint representatives to the panel, which is expected to play a role in postwar Gaza governance through 2027. Several of these states, however, have long histories of political posturing on Gaza while failing to confront Hamas terrorism, incitement, and weapons smuggling that have repeatedly derailed peace efforts.

While the participating countries reaffirmed rhetorical support for Palestinian self-determination, Israeli officials and analysts note that similar declarations in the past translated into funding flows, diplomatic pressure on Israel, and tolerance of extremist actors — rather than genuine demilitarization or coexistence.

The Board of Peace would be chaired for life by Trump and requires a $1 billion fee for permanent membership. The U.S. administration has suggested the body could operate independently of, or alongside, the United Nations — an idea welcomed by some in Israel who argue that UN frameworks have consistently failed to restrain Hamas or protect Israeli civilians.

Trump also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to join the board, underscoring Washington’s belief that power brokers—not symbolic consensus—are required to enforce outcomes.

Israel has made clear that any postwar arrangement in Gaza must result in the complete disarmament of Hamas and an end to foreign interference that enables terror. Many Israelis question whether Arab states that have historically shielded or financed Gaza’s ruling factions can now be trusted to deliver lasting peace rather than recycled instability under new branding.

As the Board of Peace prepares for its inaugural signing in Davos, Israel’s position remains firm: peace in Gaza will not come from declarations or committees, but from accountability, security control, and the permanent dismantling of terrorist rule.

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