Israel Refuses to Pay Membership Fees to Trump-Backed Board of Peace for Gaza Reconstruction

Tel Aviv, MINA – The Israeli government has firmly stated that it will not pay membership fees to the Board of Peace, a body established by US President Donald Trump as part of efforts to reconstruct the Gaza Strip post-conflict.

The decision was conveyed by Israeli Minister for Political and Security Affairs Ze’ev Elkin to state media on Wednesday, as reported by The Catholic Weekly.

According to Elkin, Israel sees no reason for the Jewish state to fund the international forum, considering it was the party attacked in the conflict with Hamas that began on October 7, 2023.

“We will not fund the Board of Peace; there is no reason for it,” he asserted.

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Israel’s decision reflects a divergence in perspectives between Tel Aviv and Washington regarding the country’s role and responsibility in Gaza’s reconstruction phase.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has reportedly allowed Israel to remain a member without financial contribution, despite other countries being required to contribute a minimum of US$1 billion for full membership.

Israel’s stance contrasts with that of several other Board of Peace member countries, such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which have each contributed over US$ 1 billion.

This difference in approach also highlights domestic political pressures in Israel regarding involvement in a forum comprising nations traditionally viewed as geopolitically opposed.

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The Board of Peace initiative, launched by Trump, has drawn varied responses from the international community. Some European countries have refused to join due to concerns that the body could undermine the United Nations’ role in managing global crises, while others are considering the implications of contributions on regional stability.

The Board of Peace is an international body proposed by President Trump in early 2026, aimed at accelerating Gaza’s reconstruction and promoting post-conflict peace. Its structure includes an executive board and member states willing to make significant financial contributions.

The organization is also seen as an alternative to traditional UN mechanisms, although it has sparked debate about its legitimacy and sustainability in global peace efforts.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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