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Ambassadors

UK-US Diplomatic Row Escalates Over Israeli Occupation Plan

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A heated exchange between UK lawmakers and the US Ambassador to Israel has intensified a diplomatic row over the Israeli occupation plan for Gaza. Dame Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Commons foreign affairs committee, has called Ambassador Mike Huckabee an "idiot" after he criticized Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's stance on the issue. The Prime Minister urged Israel to reconsider its decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza, stating that a diplomatic solution is possible but requires both parties to step away from the path of destruction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dame Emily Thornberry has called US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee an "idiot" after he criticized Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's statement on the Israeli occupation plan for Gaza.
  • Ambassador Mike Huckabee responded to Sir Keir's statement by comparing the UK's actions during World War II to Israel's situation, saying that if the UK had surrendered to Nazis, the UK would be speaking German.
  • The exchange highlights a widening gulf between the UK and the US on the Israel-Hamas conflict and the future of Gaza.
  • Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless Israel meets certain conditions to end the situation in Gaza.
  • The UK's move follows France's lead, with Emmanuel Macron recognizing Palestine as a state, and Canada's intention to do the same, announced by Mark Carney.
  • However, the US has criticized the UK's decision, with Tammy Bruce of the US state department calling it a "slap in the face" for the victims of the Oct 7 massacre.
  • Despite US criticism, Donald Trump has told Sir Keir that he "didn't mind" the UK taking a position on Palestinian statehood.
  • Ambassador Mike Huckabee was chosen by Donald Trump to serve as his ambassador to Israel at the start of his second term.

Statistics:

  • 2021-2024: Dame Emily Thornberry served as Sir Keir's shadow attorney general.
  • September: The United Nations General Assembly will recognize a Palestinian state at the UK's announcement, unless Israel meets certain conditions to end the situation in Gaza.
  • 7 October 2023: The date of the massacre mentioned by Tammy Bruce of the US state department.

Sources:

  • Dame Emily Thornberry
  • Sir Keir Starmer
  • Mike Huckabee (US Ambassador to Israel)
  • UK Parliamentary Records
  • US State Department briefing

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