Britain's new Middle East minister unnerves the Arab world

The article profiles Stephen Doughty, Britain's new Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, whose appointment has sparked concern in the Arab world due to his clear pro-Israel stance. Doughty, a Labour MP, abstained from votes on a Gaza ceasefire, opposed a boycott of settlements, and refused to sign letters against Israel. Arab media have labeled him 'anti-Palestinian.' However, he supports a two-state solution.

The article profiles Stephen Doughty, Britain's new Minister for the Middle East and North Africa in Andy Burnham's government, whose appointment has sparked concern in the Arab world. Doughty, 46, a Welsh Labour MP, is described as a prominent member of the Jewish Labour Movement. He previously served as Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories. He served as a reservist in the British Army. Arab media have called him 'clearly anti-Palestinian' due to a series of decisions: he abstained from a vote on a Gaza ceasefire, voted against a boycott of investments in settlements, refused to sign letters to suspend arms sales to Israel and comply with ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant, and voted to designate 'Palestine Action' as a terrorist organization. Recently, he refused to sign a letter calling for sanctions on Israel. However, Doughty supports a two-state solution. The article notes that Prime Minister Burnham is not considered a strong supporter of Israel.