Israel threatens closure of British consulate over proposed settlement goods restrictions
The UK, France and Canada have announced plans to block imports produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, prompting Israel to announce a response targeting Britain’s consulate in East Jerusalem.
Israel has said it will close Britain’s consulate in East Jerusalem in response to plans by the UK, France and Canada to block imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The proposed restrictions have been framed by France and the UK as measures targeting settlement expansion and settlement goods, rather than Israel or its people. Their precise legal scope has not been detailed.
France and the UK announced the plans on Tuesday while coordinating with Canada and potentially other countries. France said up to 12 countries may participate, although the commitments of all prospective participants have not been set out.
No implementation date has been finalised for the import restrictions. It is also unclear from the available reporting whether Israel has implemented the planned closure of the British consulate or announced it as a future action.
The measures and Israel’s stated response mark a further escalation in diplomatic tensions over settlement policy and the status of the occupied West Bank, according to reporting by France 24 International.
