Israel's PM Netanyahu accepts invitation to join Trump’s Board of Peace, along with Azerbaijan & UAE

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will join the Board of Peace formed as part of the Gaza peace plan put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Wednesday morning. 

Hebrew media had announced on Monday evening that Trump had extended an invitation to Netanyahu to join the Board; however, as of Tuesday, Netanyahu’s office had neither confirmed the receipt of an invitation nor the prime minister’s response amid a dispute with the U.S. over the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar. 

Israel joins a growing list of countries whose leaders have agreed to join the Board of Peace, including countries with historically hostile relations towards the Jewish State, and countries with a more friendly disposition. 

Prime Minister's Office announcement:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he accepts the invitation of US President Donald Trump and will become a member of the Board of Peace, which is to be comprised of world leaders.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 21, 2026

On Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates announced that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had also accepted the invitation to join the Board, stating, “the UAE’s decision reflects the importance of fully implementing President Donald J. Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, which is critical for the realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. His Highness reaffirmed the UAE’s confidence in President Trump’s leadership and commitment to global peace, exemplified by the historic Abraham Accords.” 

Earlier on Wednesday, Azerbaijan also announced that the country had accepted President Trump’s invitation to join the Board. 

UAE President accepts US invitation to the Board of Peacehttps://t.co/4Ch5Dz6LwX pic.twitter.com/dTkWAlIOFF

— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) January 20, 2026

"An official confirmation letter regarding Azerbaijan's membership in the Peace Council will be sent to the American side, and appropriate measures will be implemented within the framework of the required procedures. Azerbaijan, as always, is ready to actively contribute to international cooperation, peace and stability," the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

Israel joins several nations that have already responded in the affirmative to an invitation to join the Board, which some analysts see as an attempt by Trump to create an alternative to the United Nations, of which he has been historically critical. 

Other nations that have accepted invitations to the Board are Argentina, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Belarus, Albania, and Vietnam. 

The inclusion of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin raised concern for several European countries, which also received invitations. 

The spokesman for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “We are concerned about reports that Putin and Lukashenko could be members of that board. Putin is the aggressor in an illegal war against Ukraine, and he has shown time and time again he is not serious about peace.” 

Britain has not yet announced whether the country will join. However, France was more direct in its rejection of the invitation, citing concerns that the Board could undermine the work of the United Nations. Norway also announced that it would not be able to participate. 

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has also not announced whether he will join the Board of Peace. Turkey and Qatar were included as founding members of the Board in the announcement. 

President Trump is reportedly planning a signing ceremony for the Board of Peace on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, tomorrow.