A curious diplomatic signal emerged from Mar-a-Lago tonight. Donald Trump, in an interview with the BBC, insisted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had not defied him over the Gaza ceasefire negotiations. This, hours after reports suggested Netanyahu had ignored Trump's demands for a pause in hostilities.
The former president's intervention is classic Trump. A man who cannot abide the narrative that he has lost his grip on his allies. He framed it as a misunderstanding.
Netanyahu, he claimed, was merely 'securing the borders' before any truce. A distinction without a difference to many in the State Department, but music to the ears of Downing Street. Number 10 issued a terse statement.
'We welcome any de-escalation. The Prime Minister has been clear on the need for restraint.' But the timing is telling.
Starmer's government is walking a tightrope. The Labour left is restless. Pressure from Muslim voters in key seats is building.
A full-blown Gaza conflagration would tear the party apart. Trump's intervention, however self-serving, gives cover. It allows Starmer to point to 'international progress' without having to commit British boots or diplomatic capital.
But the Lobby knows the truth: Trump is not the President. His influence over Netanyahu is exaggerated. The real power lies with Biden, who is reportedly furious with the Israeli PM.
Yet here is Trump, acting as if he is the arbiter of Middle East peace. A ghost at the feast. The question in Westminster tonight is simple: Is this a genuine breakthrough, or is it Trump spinning a story where he is still in charge?
The polls will tell. For now, Starmer will take the win. Anything to avoid a backbench rebellion.
Expect a flurry of briefings off the record in the morning. The game continues.
