UK Considers Defying Israel's Order to Close East Jerusalem Consulate

Britain is reportedly considering ignoring an order from Israeli Justice Minister Gideon Sa'ar to close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem within ten days. British sources claim the order is illegal, while Israel has shown no intention of backing down. The consulate manages the UK government's relations with the Palestinians and its continued operation maintains the position that Jerusalem's final status is undetermined.

Legal opinion commissioned by the consulate, obtained by Middle East Eye, states that Israel's claim to sovereignty over Palestinian territory is unlawful. The opinion, from former Conservative government Attorney General Dominic Grieve, argues that Israel's rights in East Jerusalem are limited to those of an occupying power. Grieve emphasized that British consuls do not present credentials to Israel, thus Israel lacks the authority to revoke their status. He warned that closure would disrupt consular services and oversight of aid to the West Bank and Gaza.

If the order is enforced, British diplomats could face conditions similar to those of the British Embassy staff in Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion. Staff at the consulate, who are familiar with the Sheikh Jarrah evictions, now face the risk of eviction themselves.