Israel has ordered the closure of the United Kingdom’s consulate in East Jerusalem, giving British officials 30 days to shut the diplomatic mission.
The decision follows a sharp deterioration in relations between Israel and the UK over Britain’s policies toward Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Israel’s move came shortly after UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced new measures targeting Israeli settlements. The British government said it would ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and impose sanctions on companies and individuals involved in settlement expansion.
According to reports, Israel has notified the British consulate in East Jerusalem that it must close within 30 days. British diplomats working there could lose their accreditation if the consulate remains open after the deadline.
The UK has also announced additional restrictions on arms export licences and sanctions against individuals accused of supporting or inciting violence against Palestinians.
The Israeli government has strongly criticised the British measures, viewing them as interference in Israel’s policies. The dispute adds to growing diplomatic tensions between Israel and several Western countries over the conflict and settlement expansion.
The latest development is expected to further strain relations between Israel and Britain and could have wider diplomatic implications for the region.
