Israel’s wanted war criminal Netanyahu joins Gaza ‘board of peace’

Netanyahu’s participation, despite an ICC warrant seeking his arrest for war crimes in Gaza, will add to concerns over the objectivity of the board.Published On 21 Jan 2026Israel’s ‍Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ⁠has accepted an invitation from United States ​President Donald ‍Trump to join the “board of ⁠peace“.The Israeli leader’s office announced on social media on Wednesday that Netanyahu is to join the initiative, despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) having issued a warrant for his arrest for war crimes in Gaza.Te ‘Board of Peace’ was unveiled as part of phase two of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas to end Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.Numerous world leaders have been invited to join the body, which Trump envisages would oversee “governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilisation” in the enclave.However, the participation of Netanyahu will add to concerns over the objectivity of the board, which will be led by, and its lineup controlled by, Trump.His acceptance of a place on the board comes despite his office having earlier criticised the makeup of the executive committee, which includes Israel’s regional rival Turkey.Unilateral responsibilityNetanyahu is not the only invitee wanted by the ICC for war crimes. Russian President Vladimir Putin was invited to join the board on Monday, despite being indicted over Russia’s nearly four-year war on Ukraine.The Kremlin said it was seeking to “clarify all the nuances” of the offer with Washington, without elaborating on whether Putin was inclined to join.Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a Putin ally, was also reportedly invited to join the group by Trump.