Israel has ordered the British consulate in East Jerusalem to cease operations within 30 days, with diplomats assigned to the mission facing revocation of their accreditation, according to an Israeli official and two sources with knowledge of the situation. Additionally, British representatives involved in a U.S.-led Gaza coordination mission in Israel and those based in Ramallah have been instructed to depart within seven days.
This directive follows Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's statement on Tuesday, which asserted that Britain must close its consulate in East Jerusalem, an entity accredited to the Palestinian Authority. The move appears to be a retaliatory measure against Britain's recent imposition of sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The British action has been mirrored by France and Canada, both of which have also announced bans on the import of goods originating from these settlements. Israel's government, anticipating these sanctions, is scheduled to convene on Wednesday to deliberate its response to nations that have aligned with Britain's measures, as indicated by three sources speaking on condition of anonymity.
Notably, France and Sweden, countries that have supported Britain's decision, also maintain consulates in Jerusalem accredited to the Palestinian Authority. Israel has a history of compelling the closure of diplomatic offices situated in Ramallah, the administrative center of the Palestinian Authority, a measure that could potentially affect Canada's office in the city.
