Britain would be speaking German if Starmer was in charge during WWII, US ambassador says
Donald Trump ally criticises Keir Starmer’s leadership
- Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, strongly criticised Sir Keir Starmer, suggesting the UK would be speaking German if he had been Prime Minister during the Second World War, following Starmer's criticism of Israel's Gaza plans.
- Huckabee's remarks were a direct response to Sir Keir's statement that Israel's decision to take control of Gaza City was "wrong" and would not help end the conflict or secure hostage release.
- JD Vance, a US vice-president, noted a "disagreement" between the US and UK on achieving Middle East objectives, stating there are no plans to recognise a Palestinian state.
- Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office outlined new military principles for Gaza, including demilitarisation, Israeli security control, and an alternative civil administration.
- Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to recognise a Palestinian state by September unless Israel meets conditions, such as a ceasefire and no West Bank annexations, a stance also echoed by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and other allied foreign ministers who rejected Israel's plans.