It’s astonishing what some politicians claim versus the reality on the ground. Recently, UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson sparked controversy when she suggested Britain played a key role behind the scenes in the peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Speaking to Sky News, she said, “We have played a key role behind the scenes in shaping this.”
Her claims were quickly challenged. Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, described her statements as “delusional,” insisting that the United States and particularly former President Donald Trump deserve the credit for facilitating progress.
Independent journalist Angela Epstein also criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for what she called habitual “virtue-signalling.” Epstein argued that Starmer’s approach to international diplomacy is fundamentally flawed. First, she highlighted the moral imbalance in prioritizing the cessation of hostilities and aid into Gaza, while treating hostage release and Hamas disarmament almost as afterthoughts. Second, she condemned the UK government’s efforts to isolate Israel, restrict arms sales, and even recognize Palestine officially all moves that she argues embolden Hamas and undermine Israel’s security.
Epstein pointed out that some of the hostages recently released were repatriated from the West Bank, implicating the Palestinian Authority. Yet, the UK government’s policies appear to reward this, aligning more with political optics than tangible progress.
The reality is clear: expecting Israel to accept a two-state solution and coexist peacefully under these circumstances is naive. The first priority must remain the safe return of all hostages and the respectful handling of the deceased. Credit for these achievements largely belongs to Trump, who actively engaged with Israeli leaders.
The next challenge disarming Hamas is likely to be far more difficult, as the group has already stated it will not comply. Despite this, the UK Prime Minister traveled to Egypt, seemingly for photo opportunities rather than substantive diplomacy. By contrast, Trump’s interactions in Jerusalem, including with the Knesset, were both symbolic and strategically effective, highlighting the successful coordination between the US and Israel.
The optics of international involvement matter. The UK’s attempts to claim credit for progress, while failing to address Hamas’s continued threat, risk undermining Israel and increasing anti-Semitism globally. Any path to peace must include Israel as an equal partner, full accountability for Hamas, and the return of all hostages, dead or alive.
Ultimately, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have demonstrated a pragmatic approach, grounded in reality. It’s time for other world leaders, including Macron and Starmer, to acknowledge the truth and act decisively if they genuinely want lasting peace in the Middle East.
The author forgot to put ‘/S’ at the end of this post.
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