The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced its opposition on 17/1 to the US-proposed Gaza governing body. "The composition of the Gaza governing body under the Peace Council was not discussed with Israel beforehand and contradicts our policy. The Prime Minister has instructed the Israeli foreign minister to contact the US Secretary of State regarding this matter," the statement read.

This marks a rare protest by Israel against a decision from President Donald Trump's administration regarding the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, US, on 29/9/2025. *AFP*.

Israel's comments came after US President Donald Trump unveiled the same day the 7 founding members of the Gaza Strip Peace Council: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, envoy Steve Witkoff, real estate investor Jared Kushner, World Bank President Ajay Banga, billionaire Marc Rowan, and advisor Robert Gabriel.

The US also announced a secondary body, the Gaza Executive Council, which includes Kushner, Witkoff, and Blair, alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomatic official Ali al-Thawadi.

Israel's objection stems from the inclusion of Qatar and Turkey, which it believes will cooperate to ensure the continued existence of the armed group Hamas.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized the move, stating, "Including Qatar and Turkey on the list rewards Hamas, which poses a danger to Israel's security and was the force behind the 7/10 massacre," referencing the 7/10/2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right cabinet member, urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to order the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare a strong force to return to Gaza and achieve the war's main objective: "destroying Hamas."

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called the Gaza Peace Council announcement "a complete diplomatic failure by the Netanyahu government, after the immense sacrifice and bravery of IDF soldiers and commanders."

US envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff (left), Secretary of State Marco Rubio (center), and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, at a meeting in Florida in 11/2025. *AP*.

Despite Israel being a close Washington ally, the US appeared unconcerned by its objections. A senior US official told Axios, "This is our game, not his. We have achieved things in Gaza that no one thought possible before, and we will continue the process."

The official further asserted that Netanyahu was not consulted because he lacked decision-making authority in this matter. "If he wants us to resolve the Gaza issue, he must do it our way. He should focus on Iran, and we will handle Gaza. He is not in a position to object to us," the official stated.

By Thanh Tam (AFP, Times of Israel, WP, Axios)