Israel has told the British consulate in East Jerusalem that it must close within 30 days, according to an Israeli official and two people familiar with the matter. British diplomats working at the consulate are also expected to lose their accreditation during that period. British representatives involved in a US-led Gaza coordination mission in Israel, along with British diplomats based in Ramallah, have been told to leave within seven days, the two sources said. All the sources spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.
Why Is Israel Ordering the British Consulate to Close?
The move comes after the UK announced sanctions against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday that Britain must shut its East Jerusalem consulate. The consulate is accredited to the Palestinian Authority, and Israel’s decision is being presented as a response to Britain’s settlement-related measures. The UK has announced restrictions on goods from Israeli settlements. France and Canada have also said they will ban imports of goods produced in settlements.
What Does the Consulate Closure Mean?
The closure would affect Britain’s diplomatic presence in East Jerusalem and its ability to carry out work connected to the Palestinian Authority from the consulate. The British diplomats based in Ramallah are also being ordered to leave, according to sources familiar with the matter. Ramallah serves as the administrative centre of the Palestinian Authority. The decision could further deepen the diplomatic tensions between Britain and Israel, which have increased following London’s latest sanctions against Israeli settlements.
Could Israel Take More Action Against Other Countries?
Israel’s government is expected to discuss its response to other countries that supported Britain’s settlement measures. Three sources familiar with the matter said the Israeli government was scheduled to meet on Wednesday to consider possible actions against countries that joined the British initiative. France and Sweden are among the countries that supported Britain’s action. Both countries also operate consulates in Jerusalem that are accredited to the Palestinian Authority.
What Is Israel’s History of Closing Diplomatic Offices?
Israel has previously ordered the closure of diplomatic offices in Ramallah, the main administrative centre of the Palestinian Authority. Canada currently has an office in Ramallah. The latest decision involving Britain’s consulate therefore comes amid a broader dispute over the diplomatic role of foreign governments in East Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories.
Why Are UK-Israel Relations Under Pressure?
The dispute follows Britain’s decision to take stronger economic action against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Britain has said its measures are directed at settlement activity and expansion, while Israel strongly opposes the sanctions. The decision to order the British consulate to close, together with the removal of British representatives from other locations, represents a significant escalation in the diplomatic dispute. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not respond to a request for comment on the latest developments.
