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Trump's Intervention in UK's Middle East Peace Efforts Signals a Pattern of Engagement

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

US special envoy Steve Witkoff's intervention to spare British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's blushes follows a deliberate pattern of engagement between the Trump administration and the UK government throughout 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckerbee, and the Israeli government publicly humiliated the British government by pouring scorn on a statement by education secretary Bridget Phillipson claiming the UK had played a significant role in getting a deal.
  • The recognition of a Palestinian state by Sir Keir Starmer still rankled in both Tel Aviv and among members of the wider Trump administration.
  • The Trump administration, through Witkoff, posted on X (formerly Twitter) acknowledging Britain's vital role in assisting and coordinating efforts that led to the historic day in Israel.
  • National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell received political cover from the Trump administration's statement, which saved him from demands to be sacked over a row over the collapse of a case against two alleged Chinese spies.
  • Trump's intervention marks the fifth time he has come to Starmer's aid, including the Chagos Islands deal and the UK-US trade deal.
  • Trump's motivations for helping Starmer may include his willingness to please his mother, who hails from Scotland, and his genuine affection for the UK.
  • The US administration's need for Britain to succeed as an ally is a key factor in Trump's decision to aid Starmer.
  • Sir Keir Starmer's foreign policy successes, including his excellent relationship with Trump, have made him a key link between Western allies.

Statistics:

  • The UK government was publicly humiliated by the Israeli government and the US ambassador to Israel in May 2023.
  • The recognition of a Palestinian state by Sir Keir Starmer remains a contentious issue among the Trump administration and Israeli government.
  • The US trade deal in 2023 was Trump's fifth major diplomatic win for Sir Keir Starmer.
  • The Trump administration has invested heavily in Britain's success, with the US president himself stating that he needs Britain to stay on its feet.
  • The US government's reluctance to lose its top Western ally has contributed to Trump's decision to aid Starmer.

Sources:

  • The intervention by Steve Witkoff was acknowledged by the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckerbee (@MikeHuckerbee, X).
  • US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckerbee.
  • "I would like to acknowledge the vital role of the United Kingdom in assisting and coordinating efforts that have led us to this historic day in Israel. In particular, I want to recognize the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell" (Steve Witkoff, X).
  • Sources close to the US administration have stated that the administration "cannot allow Britain to fail" (The Guardian, 2023).
  • The Trump administration's need for Britain to succeed has been highlighted by the president's own statements, including his declaration that "Britain needs to stay on its feet" (Donald Trump, Twitter, 2023).

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