Tony Blair will not take a leading role in Donald Trump’s proposed advisory group on Gaza, following objections from Arab and Muslim nations against the former UK prime minister’s inclusion.
Citing sources, the Financial Times (FT) reported that Blair had been excluded from consideration for Trump’s advisory board, which the former U.S. president indicated he would personally oversee.
Earlier reports suggested Blair had privately sought a high-profile position in Gaza’s transitional governance, amid discussions of a strategy partly developed by his Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) alongside Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Supporters highlighted Blair’s involvement in resolving the prolonged conflict in Northern Ireland, while detractors noted his limited accomplishments as envoy for the Quartet—the UN, EU, U.S., and Russia—during Middle East peace efforts.
Across the Arab region, Blair faced criticism and skepticism for his backing of the 2003 Iraq invasion led by the U.S.
Blair was the sole figure publicly linked to the advisory board when Trump announced a 20-point initiative in late September to halt hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with Trump praising him as a “very good man.”
The TBI-contributed proposal drew criticism for omitting a defined path to Palestinian statehood and proposing Gaza operate under distinct legal structures from the West Bank—fueling concerns over fragmenting Palestinian territories.
Acknowledging Blair’s divisive reputation, Trump stated in October, “I’ve always liked Tony, but I want to ensure he’s acceptable to everyone.”
Reports of Blair’s exclusion emerged despite claims of a private meeting between him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November to discuss future plans, according to the Times of Israel.
One source told the FT that Blair might still hold a supportive position. “He could contribute in another capacity, which appears probable,” they noted, adding, “Both American and Israeli officials value him.”
Blair’s office offered no comment, though an associate confirmed he would not join the main advisory group. “It will comprise current world leaders, with a secondary executive team beneath,” the source told the FT.
If confirmed, Blair’s absence reflects the turbulence surrounding Trump’s Gaza strategy, marked by ongoing Israeli military operations and challenges in assembling an international peacekeeping force.
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