Israel Ends "Period of Restraint" with Strict Measures Against UK

Israel has implemented all four retaliatory measures against the United Kingdom announced on September 8, including the closure of the British Consulate in Jerusalem, according to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. Sa'ar stated that agreements reached the previous day would prevent further escalation, with a small group of seven diplomats with limited authority remaining in the former consulate building and London refraining from reciprocal actions against Israel. "We have established a clear principle: one cannot act against Israel without proportionate response from its side," Sa'ar emphasized. The implemented measures include the removal of British representatives from an international aid center in Kiryat Gat, the cessation of British training for Palestinian Authority forces in Judea and Samaria, and a ban on entry into Israel for 12 British representatives and citizens involved in anti-Semitic and anti-Israel activities. The British Consulate in Jerusalem ceased operations on October 8, with its signage removed.

Sa'ar attributed Israel's actions to the policies of the UK's Labour government, which he accused of initiating a crisis despite Israel's desire for stable relations. He cited the UK's recent initiative to impose broad sanctions on settlements in Judea and Samaria, suspend defense export licenses, and engage in hostile rhetoric, including false accusations of "ethnic cleansing." These actions, he noted, followed a series of unilateral measures by the Labour government since July 2024, such as recognizing a "Palestinian state" in September 2025, resuming funding for UNRWA, imposing sanctions on Israeli ministers and citizens, and hindering trade and security cooperation.

Discussions were held throughout the past week to de-escalate the situation surrounding the consulate's closure. The agreement reached allows the consulate to cease operations, with its 20 staff members, including the Consul General, departing Israel. The building, owned by the British government, will house a seven-person diplomatic team with narrowly defined duties. Both governments agreed to continue dialogue on important issues. Sa'ar expressed belief in dialogue but lamented the lack of genuine engagement with the Labour government, despite existing security and intelligence cooperation.

Sa'ar highlighted the importance of Israel-UK relations, citing recent intelligence shared by Israel with the UK regarding Fairford airbase. He confirmed the implementation of all four September 8 measures, stating that the resulting agreements serve Israel's interests and will not lead to further Israeli countermeasures. While acknowledging the possibility of future crises, Sa'ar asserted that Israel's "period of restraint has ended, both in security and politics," warning that any country acting against Israel will face consequences. Reuters reported on October 5 that UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell visited Israel to preserve the consulate, but a representative for Sa'ar confirmed its closure on October 8. The British Consulate in Jerusalem, operating for nearly 200 years, was responsible for relations with the Arab population in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Gaza.