Starmer’s early calls with Middle East leaders signals foreign policy priorities

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wasted no time in setting the tone for his administration's foreign policy by making diplomatic calls to leaders in Israel, Palestine, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) among his first since taking office.

In his first telephone conversation since he was elected with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Starmer called on all sides to exercise "caution" on the border between Israel and Lebanon.

He told the Israeli premier that the "situation on the northern border of Israel was very concerning, and it was crucial all parties acted with caution", a spokesperson for his 10 Downing Street office said.

The spokesperson added that the UK prime minister reiterated his condolences for the October 7 attacks. "He then set out the clear and urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid reaching civilians."

In his conversation with Netanyahu, Starmer added that it was also "important to ensure the long-term conditions for a two-state solution were in place, including ensuring the Palestinian Authority had the financial means to operate effectively".

The spokesperson said the prime minister also spoke by phone to Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas.

Starmer told Abbas that his "longstanding policy on recognition to contribute to a peace process had not changed, and it was the undeniable right of Palestinians".

Meanwhile, on a call with the UAE President on Sunday, Starmer agreed to “deepen cooperation” with the UAE on defence, cybersecurity, trade and investment. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Starmer on being elected as the UK premier, and reiterated the UAE’s commitment to strengthening ties with the UK.