Israeli journalists Suleiman and Blumenthal reported over the past 59 minutes through January 17, 2026, 6:46 PM UTC that, contrary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement, Israel knew the composition of the Gaza executive committee for the peace conference, which includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari official Ali al-Thawadi, according to a source in the committee. The report states Israel attempted to influence the committee's makeup but was unsuccessful. Al-Thawadi, close to the Qatari government, stood next to Netanyahu in the Oval Office during an apology call to Qatar, Suleiman and Blumenthal noted. The committee advises the Peace Council and holds no decision-making power, per the committee source. This revelation follows a statement from Netanyahu's office earlier on January 17, 2026, during 3:16 PM to 4:46 PM UTC, rejecting the committee's composition as uncoordinated with Israel and contrary to its policy, instructing Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to contact US Secretary of State, as reported by Nitzan Shpir on Telegram. Netanyahu attributed coordination responsibility to Sa'ar's bureau and US President Donald Trump regarding the announcement, according to reports from Suleiman and Blumenthal shared earlier today.
