Israel Orders British Consulate In Jerusalem To Close Within 30 Days, Announces Retaliatory Measures

Israel has escalated its diplomatic confrontation with Britain, ordering the British Consulate in East Jerusalem to close within 30 days after London announced sweeping restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the retaliatory measures were coordinated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and described the British sanctions as a hostile move and an unacceptable interference in Israel’s affairs. He also accused British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband of making “outrageous” claims about Israel and said London’s actions were linked to domestic political considerations ahead of Israel’s late October elections.

The consulate, located in East Jerusalem, primarily handles Palestinian affairs involving the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem. Israeli officials said British diplomats stationed there would lose their accreditation when the 30 day deadline expires. The British embassy in Tel Aviv, which houses the UK ambassador to Israel, is not affected by the order.

Israel also ordered British representatives to leave the US led International Gaza Support Center in Kiryat Gat and ended British involvement in training Palestinian Authority security forces in Ramallah. In addition, Israel has barred 12 British politicians and other nationals from entering the country, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, accusing those targeted of anti Israel or antisemitic activity.

The Israeli response followed Britain’s decision to ban imports of goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and restrict British companies from providing services linked to settlements, including financing, construction, infrastructure, real estate and advertising. London said the measures were aimed at stopping settlement expansion and what Miliband described as “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians.

The UK, France and Canada announced national trade restrictions, while 12 countries including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden backed restrictions or said they were considering similar measures to protect the two state solution.

The measures come amid heightened concern over Israel’s settlement expansion, including plans involving the controversial E1 area near Jerusalem and additional West Bank housing. The US, however, has said it will not block imports from Israeli settlements and warned the sanctions could destabilise the West Bank.