Jerusalem, September 9 (Daily Kiran) : Israel has ordered the closure of the British consulate located in East Jerusalem. This decision comes in response to the United Kingdom’s recent sanctions on goods originating from Israeli settlements, which the UK deems “illegal.” The move has intensified an already strained diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced this retaliatory action shortly after UK Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband labeled the violent actions of some Jewish settlers in the West Bank as “ethnic cleansing.”
The measures taken by Israel include shutting down the British consulate in East Jerusalem and imposing entry bans on several British lawmakers. The consulate primarily handles Palestinian affairs related to Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. Meanwhile, the British Ambassador to Israel operates from a separate embassy in Tel Aviv.
Israel asserts that Jerusalem is its “undivided capital” and rejects any claims of occupation over the city. Sa’ar remarked, “United Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, and it is fully sovereign.” He emphasized that any foreign activities in the region should adhere to established protocols without violating Israel’s sovereignty.
Sa’ar also announced entry restrictions on several British MPs, particularly those aligned with leftist ideologies, including former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and MPs Zara Sultana, Diane Abbott, Naz Shah, John McDonnell, and Richard Burgon, as well as Green Party MPs Hannah Spencer, Carla Denyer, Sian Berry, and Ellie Chowns.
Additionally, the Israeli government stated that the UK’s long-standing role in training Palestinian security forces in the West Bank will be terminated. Furthermore, Britain will be excluded from the US-led Gaza coordination mission, which operates in Israel and manages various conflict-related activities.
Sa’ar criticized the UK’s actions, accusing London of interfering in Israel’s internal matters and democratic processes. He stated, “Britain’s actions are morally wrong and represent overt interference in a sovereign nation and its electoral process.” He noted that while Israel has no grievances with the British public, the current Labour government has consistently taken steps against Israel, prompting a necessary response.
Sa’ar confirmed that this reaction had been previously discussed and coordinated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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