Published: 9 September 2022
Last updated: 5 March 2024
ANSHELL PFEFFER: Boris Johnson’s successor is strong on Iran, friendly to Israel, and has said she would consider recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
In her year as foreign secretary, Truss went out of her way to profess her staunch support for Israel and take a hard line on Iran. When Yair Lapid, as foreign minister, visited London last November, she made sure not only to have a long official meeting with him but a private dinner as well.
Over the past year, the routine condemnations of Israel’s policy in the West Bank were reduced to the bare minimum, their language toned down – as well as the level of officials delivering them.
Truss is known to Israelis, has visited Israel and, in a first for a British prime minister, has said she would consider recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving the British embassy there – though this was as much a populist jibe at the Civil Service and the Foreign Office’s professional diplomats, who would do everything to prevent such a recognition, than an expression of support for Israel.
The Conservatives have never been so pro-Israel (and post-Corbyn Labour is quite friendly as well), and it’s pretty safe to say Truss can be expected to be the most pro-Israel prime minister Britain has ever had.
In Israel, there are those who expect Truss to lead a tougher position on the Iran nuclear deal, especially as the Biden administration seems hell-bent on returning to the agreement. But it’s hard to see Truss doing so now she's Prime Minister.
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Liz Truss Could Be the Most pro-Israel British Prime Minister Ever (Haaretz)
Where does new British PM Liz Truss stand on ties with Israel and UK Jewry? (Times of Israel)



