Leaders of the US and UK projected unity on the need for Middle East peace on Thursday but revealed a key difference in their strategies. President Donald Trump, visiting the UK, stated he disagrees with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s position on recognizing a Palestinian state, calling it a rare exception in their otherwise aligned views.
The public acknowledgment of this disagreement comes at a pivotal moment. The UK is reportedly preparing to recognize Palestine, a move intended to spur progress toward a two-state solution as the Gaza war continues. To manage the diplomatic fallout, the announcement is being held until Trump’s visit is over.
Prime Minister Starmer addressed the issue by focusing on shared objectives. He noted his complete agreement with President Trump on the need for a peace “road map” to resolve the crisis in Gaza. He argued that recognizing Palestine is a pragmatic part of the “overall package” required to achieve lasting security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Starmer also included a firm red line in his policy, asserting that Hamas could not be part of any future Palestinian government that the UK would recognize. This highlights the UK’s attempt to craft a nuanced policy that advances Palestinian sovereignty while addressing Israeli security concerns, even if it means diverging from the US stance.
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