Portrait of Peter Mandelson
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Peter Mandelson on Gaza

Unofficial diplomacy alleged (strong)

TL;DR

Peter Mandelson allegedly conducted unofficial diplomacy with Israel regarding Gaza aid on behalf of the previous UK government.

Key Points

  • He claimed to have conducted unofficial diplomacy with Israel regarding aid into Gaza on behalf of the previous Conservative Foreign Secretary in early 2024.

  • The reported diplomatic activity took place during a Zoom call organised by the pro-Israel advocacy group, the European Leadership Network (ELNET).

  • He reportedly suggested to an Israeli military spokesman that the Israeli government might be better served by listening to the IDF.

Summary

Peter Mandelson reportedly engaged in unofficial diplomatic activity concerning the conflict in Gaza, specifically by conducting discussions with the Israeli government on aid delivery through Ashdod port in early 2024. This activity allegedly occurred while he was a director of his lobbying firm, Global Counsel, and following revelations about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. During a Zoom call organised by the pro-Israel European Leadership Network, Mandelson claimed he raised issues on behalf of the then-Foreign Secretary. He also suggested that the Israeli government might benefit from listening more closely to the IDF.

This disclosure of unofficial diplomacy came to light amid controversy surrounding his association with a government minister who privately expressed strong criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza. Mandelson’s reported private conversations touched upon the flow of aid and offered the perspective that listening to the Israeli Defence Forces might be strategically better for the Israeli government. His actions, conducted outside of any formal governmental role, have drawn criticism regarding the use of shadowy back channels in UK foreign policy and potential conflicts of interest.

Key Quotes

“The [Israeli] government might be better off if it listened more to the IDF. If you can pass on that one.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Peter Mandelson reportedly claimed that he raised questions with the Israeli government about allowing aid to come through the Ashdod port. He stated that this was done unofficially on behalf of the then-Foreign Secretary during a meeting in early 2024.

No, Peter Mandelson did not hold an official government position at the time of his reported discussions concerning Gaza aid. He was the director of his lobbying firm, Global Counsel, when he claimed to be conducting unofficial diplomacy.

Information about Peter Mandelson's direct position on the conflict has emerged primarily through reports of his private communications and alleged unofficial lobbying efforts. He has been cited in connection with discussions regarding Israeli government actions and aid delivery.