Israel Closes British Consulate in Jerusalem Over UK Actions

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced Thursday that Israel is closing the British Consulate in Jerusalem, effective immediately, as part of a series of retaliatory measures. Sa'ar stated that Israel will not tolerate actions against it without appropriate responses, citing a list of steps taken since September 8. These include expelling British representatives from an international aid center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat, halting British training for Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank, and barring entry to 12 British public figures and citizens involved in anti-Semitic and anti-Israel activities.

The closure of the consulate is the latest in a series of escalations initiated by the UK's Labour government, which Sa'ar accused of hostile rhetoric and false accusations against Israel, such as claims of "ethnic cleansing." He detailed a pattern of unilateral steps taken by the Labour government since July 2024, including recognition of a virtual Palestinian state, renewed funding for UNRWA, suspension of defense export licenses to Israel, sanctions on Israeli ministers and entities, and halting trade talks and military dialogue.

Following intensive dialogue with the British government, an understanding was reached. The British Consulate in Jerusalem has ceased its operations, with the Consul General and 20 diplomats departing Israel. The building will remain British property, but the UK will be permitted to operate a reduced mission of only seven diplomats with a very limited scope of activity.

Sa'ar emphasized that while dialogue between the governments will continue, the recent actions by the Labour government have strained relations despite good overall ties with Britain, including security and intelligence cooperation. He asserted that Israel's period of "containment" in security and diplomatic matters is over, and any country acting against Israel will face consequences.