In Washington, preparations are underway to launch a new international platform that could influence the course of the war in the Gaza Strip and the balance of power around Israel. The first meeting of the so-called Peace Council is scheduled for February 19.
The plans were reported by the portal Axios citing representatives of the US administration and diplomats from participating countries.
What the White House Plans to Do
The initiative is being promoted by the team of US President Donald Trump. According to sources, the meeting is expected to give momentum to the transition to the second stage of ceasefire agreements.
This involves reducing the presence of Israeli forces in the enclave and possibly introducing international stabilization units.
Financial Block
The American side also intends to discuss a mechanism for raising funds to rebuild the territory after the destruction. This point is seen as an attempt to attract countries willing to participate financially but avoiding direct military involvement.
Where the Meeting Might Take Place
The likely venue is called the Institute of Peace, which recently received Trump’s name. The symbolism of the place is not hidden: the project is closely linked to the personal political architecture of the White House host.
There is no final confirmation of the composition of the delegations yet. Sources say the administration is checking which world leaders can physically attend.
Who Has Already Announced Their Willingness to Attend
The Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban publicly announced his intention to participate. His visit to Washington could be the first political signal of which countries are ready to work in the new format.
Expanding the Mandate
Initially, the structure was conceived as a mechanism for monitoring the implementation of agreements specifically on Gaza. However, Trump decided to give it a broader character.
Now the Council is seen as a tool for responding to other conflicts, which objectively creates competition for traditional international institutions.
Composition of Participants and Entry Fee
Invitations were sent to 58 countries. The entry fee is set at one billion dollars.
So far, 27 countries have confirmed their agreement. Among them are Israel, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and several other countries. Many leading European players have refused to participate.
Special Status of the Chairman
According to the statutory principles, Trump is the permanent head of the Council and can leave the post only by his own decision. The joining of other leaders is possible exclusively by invitation of the American president.
This structure makes the organization highly personalized.
Position of Jerusalem
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted the invitation, but formal documents have not yet been signed. If he appears at the meeting, it will be his first public meeting with Arab leaders since the start of the war.
The symbolic weight of such contact is hard to overestimate.
In analytical circles monitored by NANews β News of Israel | Nikk.Agency, it is noted that this is not just a new conference, but an attempt to build an alternative system of global crisis management.
What’s Next
Whether the Peace Council will become a real tool or remain a political experiment is an open question. Much will depend on the level of representation and the willingness of countries to take on commitments.
February 19 will be the first test of the viability of this structure.
