Tony Blair is preparing to step back from his role as a Middle East peace envoy as the US and Europe review policy options before Israel’s election this week.
After nearly eight years as an envoy for the Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators, the former British prime minister has recognised that a frontline role is no longer tenable, according to several insiders. Mr Blair’s move comes amid deep unease in parts of Washington and Brussels over his poor relations with senior Palestinian Authority figures and sprawling business interests.
The former UK premier is embarking on delicate talks to recast his Middle East role but is determined to remain part of the peace process. Mr Blair met John Kerry, US secretary of state, on Saturday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to discuss a possible role change. He also spoke to Federica Mogherini, the EU’s foreign policy chief, who is pushing for a revamp of the Quartet and for Europe to take a more robust stance on Israel’s conduct.