Israel has ordered the United Kingdom to close its consulate in occupied East Jerusalem within 30 days, following Britain’s decision to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
According to Reuters, Israel informed the British government that diplomats working at the consulate would lose their diplomatic status after the 30-day period. UK personnel involved in a US-led Gaza coordination mission, as well as British officials in Ramallah, have also reportedly been ordered to leave within seven days.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed the decision, saying Israel would also exclude the UK from the Gaza coordination mission and bar several British lawmakers, including former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, from entering Israel.
Saar described Britain’s actions as interference in Israel’s affairs, while UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said he regretted Israel’s response but defended Britain’s decision to impose sanctions.
The UK announced measures targeting goods from Israeli settlements and said additional restrictions would apply to companies and individuals involved in construction, infrastructure, financing and real estate linked to the settlements.
France and Canada have also announced similar measures against settlement products, while several other countries have backed the British initiative.
The diplomatic dispute comes as Israel prepares for elections next month and amid continuing international disagreements over Israeli settlement policies and the future of the Palestinian territories.
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