Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson told a synagogue audience in his district in London that he believes his dismissal as Prime Minister was a “mistake”. Johnson praised the Abraham Accords and encouraged greater cooperation between Israel and the Gulf states
In a performance at an event for members of a synagogue (Ruislip) in London, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he was dismissed “by mistake”. One of the members of the synagogue who participated in the event, told the British Jewish newspaper Jewish News, that “Boris used the word ‘mistake’ when asked about his dismissal by one of the participants. “It was clear throughout the conversation that he felt he was dismissed by mistake, and it is clear that he definitely has political ambitions.” .
Johnson has pledged to continue to support the government of his successor, Rishi Sunak, but has made it clear on several occasions that he believes it was a “mistake” to replace him. He also used the phrase “if I come back again” during his conversation with about 40 members of the small Jewish community in West London.
Johnson said the community and Jews elsewhere in the UK would continue to have his “unwavering support”. He added: “I am happy to support the Jewish community during my time as prime minister, foreign minister and mayor of London.” Johnson said that he sees the war in Ukraine as continuing for the foreseeable future, and warned that there is no deal that Ukraine can make with Russia.
He said: “You can’t negotiate with a crocodile that eats your leg” and added, “I really believe that Ukraine can win.” Referring to the Middle East, Johnson said he was surprised that Iran had failed to develop a nuclear weapon. He defended Britain’s decision to sign the nuclear deal in 2015 while he was foreign secretary as “the right thing to do”, but stressed that Britain, Israel and other countries around the world should keep up the pressure on Iran.
Regarding Israel, Johnson praised the Abraham Accords and encouraged greater cooperation between Israel and the Gulf states, calling Israel “the economic powerhouse of the region.” He said that even the “Saudis” can see the benefits of engaging with Israel. Johnson also praised Donald Trump’s role in bringing about the Abraham Accords and stated “that’s why I don’t agree with people who say Trump was all bad.”