Behind the scenes: The diplomat set to replace Tony Blair in Gaza

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that after several Arab and Islamic countries blocked the appointment of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as head of the “Peace Council” responsible for administering Gaza, Washington is now searching for alternative candidates.

According to the report, the name of another international diplomat has emerged as a serious contender to replace Blair: Nickolay Mladenov, the Bulgarian diplomat who served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Middle East from 2015 to 2020 and currently heads the Diplomatic Academy for military students in the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi).

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed yesterday that world leaders are eager to take part in the “Gaza Peace Council,” adding that the list of names should be announced early next year (2026).

Yedioth Ahronoth wrote: “Mladenov, 53, is considered one of the most experienced diplomats in the world on Middle East affairs and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. He is the one who repeatedly managed to prevent escalation between Israel and Hamas during his UN mission. Mladenov still enjoys a high level of trust from both sides — Israel and the Palestinians.”

The Hebrew newspaper added that Mladenov has been one of the most influential mediators between Israel and the Palestinians and has extensive experience in Gaza reconstruction after past conflicts.

Following the border clashes and incendiary balloon incidents in 2018, he played a key role in preventing a major escalation between Israel and Hamas. Through intense diplomatic efforts, and with Egypt’s involvement, he successfully mediated between the two sides at least twice and prevented the situation from spiraling into full-scale conflict.

The report notes that, at the time, there was broad consensus in Tel Aviv that Mladenov was the UN’s most active envoy in recent years — a remarkable assessment given Israel’s typically deep mistrust toward UN representatives.

Until now, Tony Blair had been the only person publicly supported by President Trump for a role in the “Peace Council.” However, Arab and Islamic countries — along with Hamas — opposed his appointment.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, part of this opposition stemmed from Blair’s support for the Iraq War and concerns that he would overlook Palestinian interests. Blair was trusted by Israel and was among the few international figures who engaged with Israeli officials while taking their “security needs” into account.

Without mentioning Hamas’s strong objection to Blair, Yedioth speculated that the opposition to Blair may be linked to Qatar and Turkey’s growing influence with Trump — two countries that viewed Blair as excessively aligned with Israel and therefore sought to limit his role.

Blair first entered the Israeli-Palestinian file in 1997 during his tenure as the UK Prime Minister. Now, nearly three decades later, he has — according to reports — become one of the key architects of the plan to end the war.

The Washington Post has reported that Blair is responsible for “key elements” of the plan put forward by Trump to end the Gaza war.

The American newspaper also noted that the “initial draft” of the 20-point plan has been attributed to Blair. The plan includes the formation of a “Peace Council” to administer Gaza until reforms are implemented within the Palestinian Authority — reforms that would convince Israel to hand over Gaza’s governance to them.

According to the Washington Post, Blair’s prominent role has angered “many Palestinian parties,” who view him negatively due to his involvement in the Iraq War and his longstanding support for Israel.