UK Threatens Retaliation Over Israel's Planned Consulate Closure in Jerusalem
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Britain is threatening retaliation, potentially including expelling Israeli diplomats, if Israel proceeds with closing the British Consulate in East Jerusalem on October 8. The move comes after Britain banned settlement goods and follows secret talks by British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell. The consulate manages UK relations with Palestinians, and European nations fear the closure could set a dangerous precedent.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Britain may expel Israeli diplomats if Israel closes its East Jerusalem consulate on October 8.
- The UK has requested European support to pressure Israel to reverse the closure decision.
- The planned closure follows Britain's ban on goods from Israeli settlements.
- British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell held secret talks in Israel to prevent the closure.
- The consulate handles British relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
- European nations fear the closure could create a precedent for other consulates in Jerusalem.
Britain and Israel are engaged in ongoing diplomatic efforts ahead of a deadline for the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, seeking to avert a diplomatic escalation. Reports indicate London is considering retaliatory measures, including the expulsion of Israeli diplomats.
Sources familiar with the matter stated that Britain has requested intervention from several European nations to pressure Israel into reversing its decision. As of Tuesday evening, no agreement had been reached to cancel or postpone the closure, with Israel confirming the deadline remains October 8.
The Israeli decision follows Britain's September announcement of a ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, alongside other measures related to settlement policy. In response, Britain is contemplating expelling Israeli diplomats should the closure proceed, with reports suggesting up to 27 diplomats could be affected, though this number is not yet final.
British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell reportedly visited Israel secretly last week for talks with Israeli officials aimed at preventing the consulate's closure, but these discussions have not yet yielded an agreement. Communications remain active.
The British Consulate in East Jerusalem holds a special diplomatic status, serving as a key channel for Britain's relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, and providing consular services to them. European countries fear the closure could set a precedent affecting other consulates in Jerusalem, notably those of France and Spain.
This crisis unfolds amidst a continuous deterioration in British-Israeli relations, stemming from Britain's stance on Israeli settlements and its policies toward Palestinians. In September, alongside the consulate closure decision, Israel announced an end to British activities related to training Palestinian security forces in Ramallah and barred entry for several British officials and lawmakers.
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