More than 10 countries have signed on to join U.S. President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" for Gaza, CBS News reported, citing sources.
Israel is the latest. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced Wednesday that his nation is on board.
As the president envisions it, the group would be comprised of world leaders, with him as its chairman. Countries can contribute $1 billion to become permanent members, rather than holding a typical three-year membership. Some countries will contribute far less, possibly around $20 million, one of the sources said.
Earlier, a White House official said that "virtually every dollar" raised would be spent on the board's mandate in Gaza. Fundraising to rebuild Gaza will be a separate effort, one U.S. official said.
Another U.S. official said the president wants a signing ceremony for the board at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, and has been contemplating whether the board's work should extend beyond Gaza, and perhaps be a rival to the United Nations.
But the group's formation is facing serious headwinds from U.S. allies, particularly as the president renews his push to acquire Greenland and has not ruled out the use of military force to do so.
On Monday night, the president threatened France with 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne, if the French don't join the board. At this point, France doesn't intend to give a favorable response to the U.S.
The White House says the Board of Peace will "play an essential role in fulfilling all 20 points of the president's Gaza plan, providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development."
