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International Peace Council with a 'Market' Price: $1 Billion - Netanyahu's Discomfort with Qatar and Turkey's Role

Published January 18, 2026, 08:20
International Peace Council with a 'Market' Price: $1 Billion - Netanyahu's Discomfort with Qatar and Turkey's Role

The White House has announced the creation of a 'Peace Council' for the Middle East, with Donald Trump taking the presidency. Membership in the council will come at a financial cost, with states contributing over $1 billion securing a permanent seat. Founding members include countries that participated in the Sharm el-Sheikh peace meeting, such as France, Canada, Gulf countries, and Turkey, as well as personalities from the business and diplomatic world. Simultaneously, a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) is being created under the supervision of the Peace Council, with the aim of post-war management of the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his discomfort with the initiative, as it was not coordinated with Israel and is considered to contradict Israeli policy. Particular impression was made by the inclusion of representatives from Qatar and Turkey, countries that have strongly criticized Israel. The announcement of the Peace Council and the NCAG has sparked discussions about the role and effectiveness of these new bodies in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The financial dimension of participation in the council raises questions about equality and impartiality. This move appears to be an attempt by the US to play a more active role in the peace process, but the lack of coordination with Israel and the presence of controversial countries in the council's composition create uncertainty about the acceptance and success of the initiative.