UK Makes Final Attempt to Prevent Israel Closing East Jerusalem Consulate

Diplomatic Efforts Over East Jerusalem Consulate

The UK government is undertaking a final effort to persuade Israel against closing the British consulate in East Jerusalem. Israel stated in September that it would shut the diplomatic mission, which operates separately from the UK embassy in Tel Aviv, in response to British sanctions targeting illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The sanctions ban settlement goods and target companies and individuals providing services for settlement expansion. According to the Israeli government’s initial announcement, the mission is set to close within 30 days of the sanctions declaration, putting the deadline on Thursday absent a finalized agreement. The Foreign Office declined to comment on speculation regarding whether the UK might expel Israeli diplomats in retaliation.

Unconfirmed Expulsion Threats

Israeli media reports indicate the UK is threatening to expel up to 27 Israeli diplomats if the closure goes forward. UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell travelled to Israel last week for undisclosed discussions, though the meetings concluded without a announced agreement. Former British ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould stated that expelling diplomats would cause severe damage to bilateral relations across defence, security, and technology.

The consulate handles British relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. While France and Canada joined the UK in implementing the initial sanctions, Israel has not taken reciprocal actions against those nations. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated previously that the government opposes the closure due to its impact on community support work, while the Foreign Office maintains its refusal to address live discussions or speculation. the BBC