Full Breakdown
Netanyahu’s Gaza Strategy Discussed at Board of Peace Meeting
8/18/2026, 12:23:50 AM
Board of Peace Meeting in Jerusalem
On August 17, 2026, President Isaac Herzog hosted U.S. envoy Jared Kushner, Board of Peace Director-General Nikolay Mladenov, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and senior Israeli officials in Jerusalem. The gathering, convened by the Board of Peace, focused on advancing U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan, including a 15-point document aimed at disarming Hamas. Attendees discussed how to move the plan forward despite political constraints.
Israeli Officials’ Views on Gaza Disarmament
Smotrich added that Netanyahu’s current objectives represent only “halfway” toward full Israeli control of Gaza, noting that the missing half would involve Israeli settlement in the enclave. Netanyahu, in response to media reports, described progress on the U.S. plan as “problematic” due to the approaching Knesset elections in October.
Planned Working Groups
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement saying that the participants held “deep and constructive discussions” and agreed to create two working groups. One group will focus on Gaza disarmament and demilitarization, while the second will address sanitation, clean water, and other public-health needs for Gaza’s civilian population.
Political Timing and Implications
Netanyahu’s characterization of the plan as problematic reflects concerns that the upcoming October elections could limit policy flexibility. Analysts note that the establishment of the working groups may serve both security objectives and humanitarian considerations, but the timing suggests that electoral calculations are influencing Israel’s approach to the U.S.-backed Gaza framework.
