Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined U.S. President Donald Trump’s Peace Council in early 2026 without cabinet approval, even though Israeli law requires it, according to a report by Reshet Bet. In January, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Netanyahu would become a member of Trump’s “supreme peace council,” a body meant to include leaders from around the world.
The office said Netanyahu accepted Trump’s request. Trump said at the time, “Tomorrow we convene the Peace Council, which enjoys support around the world. Let’s see how it goes.” But the move was carried out without a government decision, prompting concern in the legal advisory system.
According to the report, legal advisers warned that there could be a gap between commitments Israel may make internationally and what Israeli law actually allows at home. They reportedly suggested approving the move retroactively so it would have official standing.
The issue could become concrete if the council’s work requires immunities or special rights for its members. In that case, Israel could find itself having promised something to the United States even though those protections do not exist under Israeli law. The Justice Ministry said the decision whether to join the Peace Council is a political one for the elected leadership, not a legal question, and that the legal adviser told the cabinet secretary the office would help advance the move in line with government procedure if Netanyahu wanted it done. The ministry added that the legal adviser has no position on the political decision.
