Israel Closes British Consulate in East Jerusalem Over Sanctions

Israel announced on Wednesday the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, ordering its diplomats to leave within 30 days and revoking their residency permits. Additionally, British representatives involved in the US-led Gaza coordination task force and diplomats in Ramallah must depart within seven days. These measures, along with a ban on entry for 12 British officials and citizens, were directed by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in response to British sanctions imposed on West Bank settlements.

A senior British official told i24NEWS that the UK is "considering our reactions to the Israeli decision to close the consulate in Jerusalem." This sharp Israeli action follows Britain and France's announcement that they would ban imports from the West Bank.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated in a Sky News interview that he was "sorry for what the government of Israel announced, but I am proud of what we did yesterday, and it was the right thing to do." Miliband acknowledged that the consulate's closure would harm relations with the Palestinian Authority but avoided directly answering whether the US administration supports Britain's steps, only saying they had spoken with them beforehand.

Amidst this diplomatic confrontation, Reuters reported that the Israeli government is expected to convene to discuss its response to other countries, including France and Sweden, which have joined Britain's move and also maintain consulates in Jerusalem serving Palestinians.