Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is now being considered for a significant role in the challenging reconstruction efforts for Gaza following the recent conflict.
Blair has been actively campaigning for a “Gaza International Transitional Authority”—a UN-backed administration that would deploy a multinational security force to help stabilize the devastated region. Intriguingly, he himself has emerged as a potential leader for this crucial new authority.
Indeed, the Middle East has remained a consistent, albeit often controversial, fixture throughout Mr. Blair’s influential career since leaving Downing Street.
For eight years, he acted as the envoy for “the Quartet,” a diplomatic body comprising the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, and Russia. This group tirelessly sought to mediate a peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians, though with limited success.
His post-premiership appointment in 2007 was immediately met with controversy. Many Palestinians harbored distrust due to his steadfast support for President George W. Bush’s war in Iraq and his notably close ties with Israel.
Despite past controversies, Mr. Blair has also cultivated strong relationships with various Arab leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, primarily through his influential nonprofit, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. He notably defended his connections with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, even amidst allegations implicating the prince in the assassination of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
In a 2024 interview, Blair remarked, “I don’t think any of us who believe we should engage with Saudi Arabia has ever dialed back our disapproval of that.” He added, “But I do think that what is happening in Saudi Arabia is a social revolution which has immense and positive implications for our security, and for the Middle East.”
During that same interview, Mr. Blair highlighted the discussions between Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Israel regarding diplomatic normalization. He presented these talks as evidence of the strategic benefits of engaging with autocratic figures like Prince Mohammed, though these negotiations are currently paused due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.