UK National Security Advisor Visits Israel to Prevent Consulate Closure

Britain's National Security Advisor, Jonathan Powell, visited Israel last week in an attempt to prevent the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, Reuters reported on Monday. The report indicated that the two sides failed to reach an agreement on the matter. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson told Reuters that the consulate would close on Thursday, October 8, as scheduled. Britain has threatened a reciprocal measure. According to an initial report by Ynet, the British Ambassador conveyed a message to Israeli officials: if the decision is not reversed, Britain intends to expel 27 Israeli diplomats from its embassy in London. This number corresponds to the British diplomats working at the consulate in East Jerusalem, which serves the Palestinian population. It was also reported that dozens of local employees at the consulate have been dismissed following the decision, and British diplomats are preparing to depart. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced the consulate's closure about a month ago. This move came in response to sanctions imposed by Britain, including a ban on trade with settlements. As part of its retaliatory measures, Sa'ar also announced the expulsion of British representatives from the International Center in Kiryat Gat, the cessation of British activity to train Palestinian Authority forces, and a ban on entry into Israel for 12 British public officials and citizens.