Israel tells UK to close East Jerusalem consulate within 30 days

What the report says

Israel has ordered the United Kingdom to close its consulate in occupied East Jerusalem within 30 days, according to reporting by Al Jazeera and Reuters, after London announced new sanctions targeting illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The reported Israeli notice also said British diplomats attached to the consulate would lose diplomatic status at the end of that period.

The move is part of a broader exchange of retaliatory measures between Israel and several Western governments. Al Jazeera reported that the UK, France and Canada announced sanctions on Tuesday, with Britain also saying it would restrict imports of goods from settlements and take action against companies and individuals involved in settlement-related services. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel would bar some UK lawmakers from entering the country and remove the UK from a Gaza coordination mission.

The consulate in East Jerusalem has long been linked to Britain’s contacts with the Palestinian Authority, while France also maintains a consular presence in the city. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said he regretted Israel’s decision, though he was not surprised, according to Al Jazeera’s report. The developments add to rising diplomatic friction over settlement policy, the status of East Jerusalem and wider tensions linked to the Gaza war and Israeli politics ahead of next month’s election.