Blair under fire over plans to move into historic Jerusalem palace

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The former premier has been looking at an imposing, historic edifice with a ballroom, fragrant gardens and a wonderful view of the golden dome of the city's al-Aqsa mosque.

The house - built in 1931 - was once the home of Britain's high commissioner to Palestine. Today it serves as the UN's Middle East HQ.

Critics said Blair's job as envoy of the so-called Quartet of Middle East mediators - the EU, UN, U.S. and Russia - did not merit such opulence.

Abdelbari Atwan, editor of the London newspaper al-Quds al-Arabi, said: 'He's not a president. He's not a prime minister. He's not even a minister.

'He's just representing a quartet, which is a very small job. So why should he have a lavish residence? It would look very bad.'

Mr Blair's aides confirmed he hoped to use offices in the building but denied he planned to make it his residence.

He is making his first trip to the region in his new role today and will spend at least a week a month in the Middle East from September. But he has not chosen where to live.

The building's UN status would make it a good base because of its neutrality in the conflict.

Gerald Butt, editor of the authoritative Middle East Economic Survey, said: 'Choosing where to base is a very sensitive issue in that it reflects the sensitivity of the whole crisis.'

Critics warned that living in luxury while many Palestinians struggle in squalor would only inflame anger over Mr Blair's appointment.