Israel has informed the British Consulate in East Jerusalem that it must close, while diplomats assigned to the mission will lose their accreditation within 30 days, according to an Israeli official and two sources familiar with the matter.
The two sources said British representatives assigned to a U.S.-led Gaza coordination mission in Israel, along with British diplomats based in Ramallah, have been instructed to leave within seven days.
Israel Responds to British Settlement Sanctions
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday that Britain must close its consulate in East Jerusalem, which is accredited to the Palestinian Authority, in response to London’s decision to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Britain’s measures included a ban on imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, along with sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in supporting settlement activity.
France and Canada have also announced measures against settlement goods, joining Britain in restricting imports from Israeli settlements.
Israel Considers Further Measures
Israel’s government is expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss its response to countries that joined Britain’s action, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israel had anticipated the sanctions and was preparing a response.
The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
France and Sweden, which endorsed Britain’s measures, also maintain consulates in Jerusalem accredited to the Palestinian Authority.
Israel has previously forced the closure of diplomatic offices in Ramallah, the administrative center of the Palestinian Authority. Canada also maintains an office in Ramallah.
The latest measures mark a further escalation in diplomatic tensions between Israel and several Western countries over settlement policy and the broader Palestinian issue.
