In the intricate ballet of international diplomacy, Britain is executing a delicate pirouette away from its long-standing partner, the United States, on the Israel-Gaza conflict. This shift, as subtle as it is significant, marks the dawn of a new era under Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government.
For ten long months, Britain and the US moved in lockstep, their responses to the Gaza conflict a synchronized performance. Now, the rhythm is changing. By week's end, Starmer is expected to make a bold move: dropping objections to the International Criminal Court's pursuit of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This isn't just a policy adjustment; it's a seismic shift in Britain's stance on the conflict.
In another dramatic turn, Britain has decided to restart funding for UNRWA, the UN's lifeline for Palestinians. This move comes after careful deliberation, with the UK concluding that the agency has taken steps to ensure its neutrality - a stark contrast to Israel's accusations of UNRWA employees' involvement in the Hamas-led attacks.
At the heart of this evolving narrative is Keir Starmer himself - a former human rights lawyer now wielding the power of a nation. His appointment of Richard Hermer, another prominent human rights lawyer, as attorney general speaks volumes about the direction Britain is taking.
Starmer's background in European human rights law is not just a footnote in his biography; it's now shaping Britain's foreign policy. While the US condemns the ICC's efforts as "outrageous," Starmer's Britain appears to be embracing international legal institutions with open arms.
Yet, this is no simple about-face. The Labour Party treads a tightrope, balancing its newfound stance with the need to maintain its cleansed reputation regarding antisemitism. The ghost of Jeremy Corbyn's leadership still lingers, a reminder of the party's recent past.
As Britain charts this new course, questions arise about the future of the "special relationship" with the US. With Kamala Harris emerging as the presumptive Democratic nominee for 2024, the transatlantic allies may find themselves drifting further apart on Middle East policy.
Britain's moves are as calculated as they are bold. But the question remains: Will this new approach bring fresh perspectives to a seemingly intractable conflict, or will it strain longstanding alliances?
One thing is clear: Under Starmer's leadership, Britain is no longer content to be a mere echo of American policy. Instead, it's finding its own voice in the cacophony of global politics.
* The New York Times contributed to this article.
