Israel orders Britain to close East Jerusalem consulate over settlement sanctions

Jerusalem, Israel. Israel has told Britain to close its consulate in East Jerusalem, which is accredited to the Palestinian Authority, and said diplomats assigned there will lose their accreditation within 30 days, according to an Israeli official and two sources familiar with the matter. The move follows British sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Diplomatic withdrawals

British representatives assigned to a US-led Gaza coordination mission in Israel, as well as British diplomats based in Ramallah, must leave within seven days, the two sources said.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday that Britain must close its East Jerusalem consulate in response to the sanctions.

International measures

France and Canada also said they would ban imports of goods from settlements, joining Britain’s action.

Israel’s government, which had expected the sanctions, is due to meet on Wednesday to discuss its response to countries that also signed Britain’s action, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

All sources spoke on condition of anonymity. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Other consulates

France and Sweden, which endorsed Britain’s action, also have consulates in Jerusalem accredited to the Palestinian Authority.

Israel has previously forced the closure of diplomatic offices in Ramallah, the administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority. Canada has an office in Ramallah.