Gaza Board of Peace Lowers Ambitions as Plans Fizzle

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Israel’s right-wing government, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, is openly opposing the 2005 Gaza disengagement and signaling intentions to reestablish control and settlements in Gaza, conflicting with the Board of Peace created under Trump’s administration to implement a ceasefire and stabilization plan. This growing rift threatens the progress of the Gaza peace plan and highlights challenges in achieving a negotiated settlement amid Israel’s shifting political stance and ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Israel’s right-wing government and the Board of Peace established by former President Donald Trump to implement his Gaza peace plan are increasingly at odds over the future of the Gaza Strip.

On July 19, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led a demonstration near the northern border of Gaza, accompanied by several other Israeli ministers and lawmakers, declaring, “We are coming home. Gaza is ours.” This statement reflects a growing sentiment among some Israeli officials opposed to the 2005 disengagement, when Israel withdrew settlements and military forces from Gaza.

Multiple Israeli figures, including Ben Gvir, have publicly asserted that Israel will not permanently withdraw from Gaza and have expressed intentions to reestablish settlements dismantled during the disengagement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not contradicted these remarks, signaling a possible alignment with the hardline view within his coalition.

The Board of Peace, created under the auspices of Trump’s administration, was intended to oversee the implementation of a multi-phase plan aimed at stabilizing Gaza and resolving the ongoing conflict. The plan’s initial phase included halting hostilities, securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, and establishing a ceasefire that resulted in Israel Defense Forces (IDF) controlling over 60 percent of Gaza territory, while Hamas retained control over remaining areas.

However, progress beyond this first stage has been limited. The Board of Peace has struggled to advance its agenda amid opposition from Israel’s current government, which appears to favor a more assertive policy in Gaza. The divergent approaches have raised concerns about the viability of the peace plan originally envisioned by Trump’s administration.

A White House official confirmed that former President Trump is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu in Washington on Tuesday. Netanyahu is traveling to attend a memorial service for Senator Lindsey Graham. While the main focus of their discussion is expected to be Iran, Trump’s Gaza peace efforts are also likely to be addressed.

The developing tensions underscore the complexities in achieving lasting peace in the region, particularly with Israel’s internal political divisions and the entrenched control Hamas maintains within Gaza. As Israel’s government signals a hardening stance towards reasserting control over Gaza, the Board of Peace faces increasing obstacles to facilitating meaningful negotiation or reconciliation.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.