As world leaders convene this week in Davos at the World Economic Forum, Israel once again stands at the epicenter of rapidly unfolding diplomatic, military, and prophetic events. U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new international “Board of Peace” focused on Gaza has drawn intense global attention—along with growing concern from allies and adversaries alike.
Trump is expected to hold a signing ceremony in Davos to formalize the initiative, presenting it as a bold alternative to existing UN-led frameworks for Gaza’s future governance. The plan signals a dramatic shift in how post-war Gaza may be handled and reflects deep frustration with international bodies that have consistently failed to prevent Hamas terror or protect Israeli civilians (World Israel News).
International Reactions: Support Mixed with Skepticism
Several nations have already responded to Trump’s invitation. The United Arab Emirates and Belarus agreed to join the proposed board, while Norway and the United Kingdom expressed reservations, warning that the initiative could undermine established international mechanisms (Times of Israel).
Other world leaders have shown caution, concerned that the broader “Board of Peace” could weaken the United Nations’ authority at a time of global instability (Times of Israel).
According to reports, Trump has also extended invitations to Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron, signaling a willingness to bypass traditional diplomatic alignments in pursuit of a new regional framework (Axios). Macron has reportedly rejected Trump’s offer. When asked about Macron’s denial on Monday, Trump threatened a “200% tariff” on French wines and champagne, adding, then “he’ll join” (Axios).
The Reality on the Ground in Gaza
While diplomats debate frameworks and governance, Israel continues to confront hard security realities. Israeli forces recently uncovered a weapons cache hidden inside a tunnel shaft in Gaza—yet another reminder that Hamas’ terror infrastructure remains deeply embedded beneath civilian areas (Times of Israel).
At the same time, reports indicate that senior Hamas leaders may be preparing to leave Gaza under a potential Phase II ceasefire arrangement. Such a move raises serious concerns that those responsible for terror and atrocities could once again evade justice and potentially resurface in the future (i24News).
Iran Raises the Stakes
Hovering over every discussion of Gaza is the growing threat from Iran. In a striking escalation, Iran’s parliament warned of “jihad” should Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei be targeted—an extraordinary declaration underscoring the regime’s volatility (Reuters).
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded with a clear and forceful warning, stating that any Iranian attack on Israel would be met with “unprecedented force” (JNS).
Inside Iran, unrest continues to spread. The regime has imposed internet shutdowns, violently suppressed protests, and inflicted severe economic damage on its own population—actions that have drawn growing international scrutiny (AP News; AP News).
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also blamed Israel after a planned Davos speech was canceled due to the regime’s deadly crackdown on protesters, prompting a sharp rebuke from Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, stating, “The same murderous Iranian regime massacring its own people day after day, executing innocent women and men for daring to call for their freedom, and spreading terror and death across the Middle East is in no position to lecture others on ‘morality’” (Times of Israel).
Instability Across the Region
Beyond Gaza and Iran, instability continues to ripple throughout the Middle East. In Syria, jihadist violence and ISIS-linked prison breaks have followed the rise of Ahmad al-Sharaa’s Islamist leadership, raising alarms among Kurdish communities and regional observers (Breitbart; Breitbart).
Inside Israel, security agencies have also warned of Iranian recruitment efforts targeting Israeli citizens, with heightened concerns in northern areas such as Tiberias (i24News).
Why This Moment Matters
Trump’s Gaza initiative may reshape diplomatic conversations, but it also exposes a sobering truth: peace cannot exist where terror networks remain armed, Iran continues to escalate, and international institutions repeatedly fail to confront evil.
For Israel—and for those who bless her—this is a time for clarity, vigilance, and prayer. As Scripture reminds us, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you” (Psalm 122:6).
Israel’s challenges are great, but so is the faithfulness of our God. Please join Blessors of Israel in praying for Israel, her people, along with the citizens of Iran who desire freedom, and the leaders of the United States.
Dr. Matthew Dodd, Executive Director | January 20, 2026