Israel Orders British Consulate in Jerusalem to Close Within 30 Days

Israel has informed the British Consulate in East Jerusalem that it must cease operations within 30 days, according to a report by Reuters citing an official Israeli source. The same source indicated that British diplomats will lose their residency permits within the same 30-day period. Additionally, British representatives at the International Headquarters for the Gaza Strip in Kiryat Gat, as well as British diplomats operating in Ramallah, have been instructed to leave Israel within one week.

These actions are a direct response to sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom against Israel and a ban on trade in products from Judea and Samaria. Foreign Minister G Gideon Saar announced a series of retaliatory measures on Tuesday, which included the closure of the British Consulate in Jerusalem, the expulsion of British representatives from the international headquarters in Kiryat Gat, and the cessation of British activities training Palestinian Authority forces in Ramallah.

Furthermore, Israel has decided to prohibit the entry of 12 British public officials involved in anti-Israel activities. Saar stated that Britain initiated these measures and has been pursuing them for a considerable time. He emphasized that Israel will take reciprocal action against any country that acts against it, asserting that "Anyone who acts against Israel, Israel will act against him and he will lose his influence and relevance in the region. Measures against Israel will not go unanswered."