Tel Aviv, Israel – A well-informed diplomatic source reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tasked his Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, with representing Israel at the inaugural meeting of the “Peace Council.” The meeting is scheduled to begin in Washington, D.C., next Thursday.
Travel cancellations amid regional tensions
This assignment comes after Netanyahu’s decision not to return to the United States at this time, following his recent visit where he met with US President Donald Trump. Observers suggest that Netanyahu’s continued stay in Israel stems from escalating security tensions between Washington and Tehran, and the need for his presence at the center of decision-making. Furthermore, it was decided that Netanyahu would only be represented by his foreign minister at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference. This conference coincides with these developments.
28 countries are considering funding for the “Gaza administration”.
High-level representatives from 28 countries are expected to participate in the Washington meeting. The list includes countries such as Argentina, Hungary, Cambodia, and Vietnam, with significant participation from Indonesia and Pakistan. The US administration aims, through this expanded meeting, to mobilize international funding by securing the necessary financial resources for the new international body (the Peace Council). It also aims to build international consensus around the US 20-point plan for managing the Gaza Strip.
The council’s mission: “Post-Hamas Gaza”
According to leaked information, the “Peace Council” has a pivotal mandate to oversee the transitional phase in the Gaza Strip.
Its primary task is to establish a civilian and security administration independent of Hamas. This is intended to ensure the implementation of the American and Israeli vision for the future of the Strip after the end of major military operations. Analysts believe that assigning Gideon Sa’ar this role reflects Netanyahu’s desire to send a voice representing the “hawks” in his government to the international negotiating table. It also aims to ensure that the Council’s outcomes align with Israeli security requirements.
