Israel Joins Peace Commission Ahead of Trump-Netanyahu Meeting

On Wednesday, Israel officially became a member of the peace commission as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Donald Trump at the White House. Netanyahu signed the necessary documents in front of Secretary of State Marco Rubio right before their talks commenced. This move signifies a notable step in diplomacy as they address regional security and conflicts in the Middle East.

Netanyahu mentioned to X news agency that the discussions would encompass various topics, including Gaza. However, he emphasized that the main focus would be on negotiations with Iran.

Earlier in January, a ceremony for the Gaza Peace Committee’s inaugural charter took place in Davos, Switzerland. It brought together leaders from 17 nations, including presidents and senior officials from areas like Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, as well as Central and Southeast Asia.

While Netanyahu did not attend the charter signing ceremony where Trump was the central figure, the White House confirmed Israel’s acceptance of Trump’s invitation to join the peace commission. This came after Trump raised concerns about the composition of the Gaza executive committee, particularly the involvement of Qatar and Turkey.

Other nations like Russia, Belarus, France, Germany, Vietnam, Finland, Ukraine, Ireland, Greece, and China were also invited to join, although Poland and Italy announced they would not participate.

Netanyahu’s trip to Washington occurs as the U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Middle East amid ongoing negotiations with Iran. President Trump has sent the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and the guided missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy to facilitate envoy discussions with Iranian officials in Oman. Additionally, several U.S. naval vessels are stationed around Iran, spanning significant waterways including the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Arabian Sea.