Israel Orders British Consulate in Jerusalem to Close

Israel has ordered the British Consulate in East Jerusalem to shut down and informed its diplomats that their accreditation will expire in 30 days. This action follows recent British sanctions targeting settlements in the occupied West Bank.

According to an Israeli official and an informed source, British representatives assigned to a U.S.-led coordination mission for Gaza, located within the Civil Military Coordination Center in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel, as well as British diplomats residing in Ramallah, must depart within seven days.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated on Wednesday that closing the consulate in East Jerusalem would have "negative repercussions." He also criticized Israeli settlers for expelling Palestinians from their homes, with the Israeli government "turning a blind eye."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar had previously stated on Tuesday that Britain should close its consulate in East Jerusalem, which is accredited to the Palestinian Authority. France and Canada have also announced bans on importing goods from settlements, similar to the British action.

Israeli government sources indicated that the government was scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss its response to countries that supported the British measures. France and Sweden, which also supported the British action, have consulates in occupied Jerusalem accredited to the Palestinian Authority. Israel has previously forced diplomatic offices to close in Ramallah, where Canada also maintains an office.