Israel's far-right faction has outright rejected a US-backed proposal for post-war governance in Gaza, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failure to annex the territory and establish new Israeli settlements. The proposed board of peace includes representatives from Turkey and Qatar, both of which have been vocal critics of Israel's actions in the strip.
Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who himself is a settler in the West Bank, described Netanyahu's reluctance to take responsibility for Gaza as "the original sin". Instead, he advocated for establishing a military government in the territory, aiming to encourage immigration and settlement, which would allegedly ensure Israel's security for years to come.
Smotrich also expressed skepticism over Turkey and Qatar's involvement in any post-war governance structure. He claimed that these countries have ties to Hamas, the militant group responsible for many of the recent attacks on Israel, and therefore cannot be trusted to oversee Gaza's reconstruction.
Netanyahu had already dismissed the proposal, accusing some of the appointed members of not being coordinated with Israel or aligning with its policies. The tension between Netanyahu and his far-right coalition partners is at an all-time high, as the prime minister struggles to maintain control over the government.
The US has invited a number of prominent world leaders to join the Gaza executive board, which will serve in an advisory capacity under the broader "board of peace" framework proposed by former President Donald Trump. The plan also includes contributions from major donors to ensure its success, with countries required to provide at least $1 billion in cash if they wish their membership to last more than three years.
The proposal represents a significant escalation of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but its prospects remain uncertain due to deep-seated mistrust and competing agendas on both sides.
Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who himself is a settler in the West Bank, described Netanyahu's reluctance to take responsibility for Gaza as "the original sin". Instead, he advocated for establishing a military government in the territory, aiming to encourage immigration and settlement, which would allegedly ensure Israel's security for years to come.
Smotrich also expressed skepticism over Turkey and Qatar's involvement in any post-war governance structure. He claimed that these countries have ties to Hamas, the militant group responsible for many of the recent attacks on Israel, and therefore cannot be trusted to oversee Gaza's reconstruction.
Netanyahu had already dismissed the proposal, accusing some of the appointed members of not being coordinated with Israel or aligning with its policies. The tension between Netanyahu and his far-right coalition partners is at an all-time high, as the prime minister struggles to maintain control over the government.
The US has invited a number of prominent world leaders to join the Gaza executive board, which will serve in an advisory capacity under the broader "board of peace" framework proposed by former President Donald Trump. The plan also includes contributions from major donors to ensure its success, with countries required to provide at least $1 billion in cash if they wish their membership to last more than three years.
The proposal represents a significant escalation of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but its prospects remain uncertain due to deep-seated mistrust and competing agendas on both sides.