The Board of Peace, the entity tasked with advancing President Trump’s regional diplomatic initiatives, has appointed a former Biden administration official to a senior leadership role. Shelley Greenspan, who previously served as the White House liaison to the American Jewish community under the Biden administration, will join the board to lead its outreach to the U.S. Congress and the Washington think tank community.
The appointment of Greenspan, a career civil servant with experience in both Democratic and Republican administrations, is viewed as a strategic pivot by the Board of Peace to cultivate bipartisan consensus for the administration’s Gaza peace proposal. This focus on cross-aisle cooperation comes at a critical juncture, as the implementation of the plan is slated for a renewed push following the upcoming midterm elections and the formation of a new Israeli government.
Diplomatic efforts have recently faced a standstill, primarily due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to take substantial steps toward the Gaza plan until after the October 27 elections. However, the Board of Peace is looking toward a post-election window to move the proposal forward. Proponents of the plan have pointed to burgeoning support from high-profile Democrats as evidence of its viability. Notably, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed the proposal in June, describing it as the most workable framework currently available.
Greenspan’s role as head of external affairs will place her at the center of negotiations with Middle East experts and lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Her background includes high-level service at the National Security Council (NSC), where she served as the director for partnerships and global engagement, as well as the liaison to the Jewish community. In a statement regarding the appointment, the Board of Peace highlighted her “deep experience working across the aisle” and noted her success in earning the trust of officials from both major parties through her previous tenures at the NSC and the State Department.
The necessity for a bipartisan approach is underscored by the current political climate, in which Democrats could potentially secure control of the House or Senate in the midterms. Sustained support from Congress is seen as vital for the long-term success of the administration’s “20-Point Plan” for Gaza and Israel.
In her own statement, Greenspan expressed a commitment to the mission, referencing her previous work at the State Department as a foundation for her new role. She noted that her previous efforts were aimed at advancing the vision for regional peace and prosperity, adding that she has seen firsthand how the 20-Point Plan can deliver tangible results for the people of Gaza and Israel. She stated she looks forward to continuing that work with the board to ensure the plan’s implementation remains a priority in Washington.
