Israel orders UK to close East Jerusalem consulate within 30 days
The reported order follows British sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Israel has reportedly ordered the United Kingdom to close its consulate in occupied East Jerusalem within 30 days, escalating a diplomatic dispute over British sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Reuters, cited by Al Jazeera, reported that British diplomats at the consulate could lose their diplomatic status after the deadline. UK personnel involved in a US-led Gaza coordination mission, as well as personnel based in Ramallah, have reportedly been given seven days to leave.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office had not confirmed the reported orders in the supplied material. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that the UK would be removed from the Gaza coordination mission and said several British MPs would be barred from entering Israel.
Saar described the British measures as interference in Israel’s affairs and electoral process. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he had urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to close the consulate, accusing it of operating on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.
The UK announced measures against imports from Israeli settlements and against companies and individuals providing construction, infrastructure, financing or real estate services to settlements. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK regretted Israel’s decision but maintained that the sanctions were necessary.
France and Canada announced similar import bans, while nine other countries endorsed the British action. The Israeli government was due to discuss its response to the other countries supporting the statement.
