Key Facts
• January 22, 2026: Peace Council signing ceremony held in Davos, Switzerland.
• About 60 countries invited; around 25, including Israel, initially expressed participation.
• 20 countries’ leaders and officials attended, including U.S. President Trump, Qatar, and Turkey.
• Many European countries and G7 members, including Japan, showed cautious stance.
• U.S. White House repeatedly invited Israeli President Herzog to speak at ceremony.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu refused U.S. requests; did not attend.
• Netanyahu avoided Switzerland due to International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
• Switzerland is an ICC member obligated to cooperate with arrest warrants.
Summary
The Peace Council, established by former U.S. President Donald Trump as part of the Gaza peace plan’s second phase, held its signing ceremony in Davos on January 22, 2026. The U.S. aimed to showcase unity by involving multiple nations, inviting about 60 countries, with roughly 25, including Israel, initially agreeing to participate. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined U.S. requests for Israeli representation, citing concerns over an International Criminal Court arrest warrant and Switzerland’s ICC membership. Consequently, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, present at the Davos conference, did not appear at the ceremony. The event saw attendance from leaders of 20 countries, including Qatar and Turkey, while many European and G7 nations remained cautious. This absence highlighted underlying geopolitical tensions affecting the peace initiative.
