Israel Objects to Gaza Executive Committee

Israel's government is strongly objecting to the United States — White House's announcement of an executive committee intended to oversee the next steps in Gaza, stating that the committee was not coordinated with Israel and contradicts its policy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the foreign ministry to contact U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to convey these objections. The executive committee, announced by the United States — White House, includes an Israeli businessman, Yakir Gabay, but no Israeli officials, alongside prominent figures like Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel, as well as diplomats from Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. This committee is meant to carry out the vision of a Donald Trump-led 'Board of Peace' and oversee a new Palestinian committee for Gaza's daily affairs. Following Israel's statement, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir backed Benjamin Netanyahu and urged the military to prepare for a return to war. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also criticized the involvement of certain countries. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad also expressed dissatisfaction with the committee's composition, claiming it reflects Israeli 'specifications'. This dispute arises as the U.S.-drafted ceasefire plan for Gaza moves into its second phase, which includes the new Palestinian committee, deployment of an international security force, disarmament of Hamas, and reconstruction of the territory.