By SCM BUSINESS REPORTER
ISRAELI PM Benjamin Netanyahu has sensationally U-turned to join Donald Trump’s elite “Board of Peace”—the President’s glitzy new alternative to the United Nations.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, “Bibi” confirmed early Wednesday that he will take a seat at the table alongside world leaders and billionaires to oversee the future of war-torn Gaza.
The announcement marks a dramatic climbdown for Netanyahu, whose office just days ago slammed the board’s lineup as “contrary to policy” because it included regional rivals like Turkey.
Dubbed the “Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled” by the US President, the initiative is the cornerstone of Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict.
But it isn’t just a talking shop. Trump has reportedly slapped a staggering $1 billion (£790m) price tag on permanent seats, inviting nations to “buy-in” to the world’s most exclusive diplomatic circle.
A White House source said: “The President is done with the UN. He wants a board that actually gets things done—and pays for itself.”
Star-Studded Lineup
Netanyahu joins a “who’s who” of Trump’s inner circle and global allies:
The Family: Son-in-law Jared Kushner returns to the fold as a key architect.
The Brits: Former PM Sir Tony Blair has signed up, bringing his years of Mideast envoy experience to the table.
The Loyalists: Secretary of State Marco Rubio and real estate mogul Steve Witkoff will lead the charge.
The Board is set for a “grand unveiling” this Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump is expected to go head-to-head with globalists and skeptics.
The Board of Peace isn’t just about handshakes in Switzerland. It is designed to act as the “CEO” of Gaza’s reconstruction, managing everything from building new “waterfront property” to disarming Hamas.
However, Netanyahu’s decision to join could spark a civil war within his own cabinet.
Hardline allies in Jerusalem have already voiced fury at the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar, fearing the board gives too much power to Israel’s critics.
But for Trump, the message is clear: the new world order is open for business—and Bibi just bought a front-row ticket.
The Mission: Established in January 2026 as “Phase Two” of the Trump-brokered Gaza ceasefire. It aims to replace traditional UN oversight with a “transactional” diplomatic model focused on investment and security.
The Cost: Membership is split into two tiers. Nations can serve three-year terms by invitation, or pay $1 billion into a reconstruction fund for a permanent “Founding Member” seat.
The Members: So far, the UAE, Morocco, Argentina, and Hungary have signed up. Russia and China have been invited but are still “clarifying the nuances.”
The Rivalry: Trump has openly mocked the UN during the board’s rollout, stating it “hasn’t been very helpful” and suggesting his new board might eventually replace it entirely.
