Concerns are mounting over the involvement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the recently established ‘Peace Council,’ with critics suggesting it serves as a platform to rehabilitate Israel’s image following accusations of war crimes in Gaza. Ambassador Namira Najm, a member of the Palestinian legal team at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has voiced strong objections, arguing the move reflects a disregard for international legal processes.
Najm contends that Netanyahu’s participation provides political and media cover for Israel, despite ongoing investigations into alleged atrocities against Palestinians. She emphasized that the Peace Council, initially presented as a mechanism for the reconstruction of Gaza, has evolved into a parallel international political structure, mirroring the United Nations and operating under American influence.
‘The presence of Netanyahu, who faces scrutiny before the International Criminal Court, does not negate his legal status,’ Najm stated. ‘Instead, it underscores the United States’ and Israel’s refusal to acknowledge the ICC’s jurisdiction over the occupied Palestinian territories.’ She further highlighted that the council’s funding model, reportedly requiring a billion-dollar contribution from each member state, grants Washington significant financial leverage in directing its agenda.
The potential for the Peace Council to become a parallel entity to the UN has also drawn criticism. Such a development, according to Najm, would provide Israel with undue ‘media legitimacy,’ enabling it to deflect from the negative perception resulting from the Gaza conflict and portray itself as an active participant in peace initiatives.
Critics argue that Netanyahu’s involvement reinforces the narrative that peace is unattainable without Israel, re-casting the country as a peace-seeking nation despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza and persistent human rights violations in the West Bank. The continued targeting of UNRWA facilities further undermines such claims.
Najm stresses that violations of international law persist despite advisory opinions and provisional measures issued by the ICJ concerning the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. She concludes that the Peace Council, in its current form, fails to provide genuine protection or justice and is merely a PR stunt.
