Israel Closes UK Consulate in Jerusalem Amid Trade Dispute

Israel's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday the closure of the British Consulate in Jerusalem and demanded that its diplomats leave the country, escalating a diplomatic row with the UK government. The ministry accused the UK's Labour government of a pattern of actions detrimental to Israel, including frozen trade talks, security restrictions, sanctions on Israelis, and now a boycott.

The move follows Britain's announcement Tuesday of sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including a ban on trade with settlement products and restrictions on related services. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated the measures aim to prevent further damage to the two-state solution and are directed at settlements, not trade with Israel as a whole. Britain will also refuse arms export licenses to Israel that contribute to the occupation.

France also announced a ban on purchasing goods from Israeli settlements shortly after Britain's declaration. French Foreign Minister Jean-Manuel Barrot cited rising settler violence undermining the two-state solution. Both Britain and France cited the 2024 International Court of Justice advisory opinion regarding economic relations that could strengthen the illegal presence in occupied territory, an opinion Israel disputes.

Israel responded by expelling British representatives from Ramallah, the Jerusalem consulate, and a humanitarian coordination base in Kiryat Gat, with diplomats ordered to leave within 30 days and others within a week. No retaliatory measures have been announced against France thus far.

Eight Muslim-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE, welcomed Britain's decision, expressing hope it would spur similar international action. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage, leader of the UK's Reform UK party, discussed the "anti-Israel moves" with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, promising to "rectify the damage" if his party gains power. Chief Rabbi of Britain, Ephraim Mirvis, warned the sanctions endanger the Jewish people and could strengthen extremism.