Closure Order and Deadlines
According to an Israeli official and two sources with knowledge of the situation, Israel has ordered the British consulate in East Jerusalem to shut down, with its diplomats losing accreditation within a month. Additionally, British officials attached to a U.S.-led Gaza coordination mission in Israel and those stationed in Ramallah are required to depart within a week, as reported by the two sources.[S1]
Reason for the Move
On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Britain must close its consulate, which serves the Palestinian Authority, as a retaliatory measure for Britain's sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Britain, along with France and Canada, also declared prohibitions on importing goods originating from those settlements.[S1]
Government Response and Broader Context
Israel's government, which had foreseen these sanctions, is slated to convene on Wednesday to deliberate on its response to nations that also backed Britain's move, according to three sources who requested anonymity. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not reply to a request for comment.[S1]
France and Sweden, which also supported Britain's action, maintain consulates in Jerusalem accredited to the Palestinian Authority. Israel has previously compelled the closure of diplomatic offices in Ramallah, the Palestinian Authority's administrative hub. Canada operates an office in Ramallah as well.[S1]
