President Donald Trump recently praised the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) as a "vital step forward" in implementing phase two of his United Nations-backed Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. The committee consists of 15 members from various countries and is overseen by a Board of Peace.
Trump says he is "fully committed" to working with Israel, key Arab nations, and the international community to achieve the objectives of the plan, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar in key roles on the board, which he says "was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy."
Campaign for Working Families Chairman Gary Bauer, who has served on the board of Christians United for Israel, understands why Israel has attempted to block the two countries from having any role in the future of Gaza, repeatedly accusing them of supporting and funding Hamas.
"Any Israeli prime minister is going to have to be very aggressive and very cautious and always on guard," Bauer comments. "They have lived in this neighborhood in modern times since 1947; there's a long history, and they know they're surrounded by people that still want them dead."
He says President Trump is trying to bring these Arab countries into the process so he can assert influence on them "and show them the benefits of a Middle East that is not constantly obsessing on how to kill Israelis and Jews."
"I don't fault Israel for speaking up, and I don't fault the president for the strategy that he's trying to pursue here," Bauer tells AFN.
The president's roadmap for lasting peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity in the region has 20 points. Additional NCAG executive board members will be announced over the coming weeks.
They will receive a permanent seat if they pay $1 billion, according to a U.S. official. All funds raised will go toward rebuilding Gaza.
There is no requirement to contribute funds to the board, but CNN reports that the members who do not make a $1 billion payment will have a three-year terms.
