Israel Orders UK to Close East Jerusalem Consulate in 30 Days
Key Points
- Israel ordered the UK to close its East Jerusalem consulate within 30 days on September 9, 2026, after UK sanctions on illegal settlements.
- UK staff on a Gaza coordination mission and those in Ramallah must leave within 7 days, Israeli officials told Reuters.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar barred several UK MPs, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, from entering Israel in retaliation.
UK Sanctions Trigger Israeli Retaliation
The British government announced the sanctions on Tuesday, joining France and Canada in banning imports of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the government would also take measures against companies and individuals providing services to settlements, including construction, infrastructure, financing, and real estate activities.
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Miliband told the BBC on Wednesday that he regretted Israel's decision but was not surprised. "We weighed the costs and benefits of acting … and we thought we simply could not stand by because we feared Israeli action," he said. Nine other countries, including Denmark and Portugal, endorsed the British statement, according to al Jazeera reporting.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he had appealed to Netanyahu for the consulate closure as "Israel's resolute response to British audacity," accusing the UK mission of operating on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. The UK, France, and Canada were among countries that formally recognised the State of Palestine in 2025 and have previously imposed sanctions on settlements and Israeli ministers over accusations of inciting violence against Palestinians.
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Israel's government scheduled a meeting for Wednesday to discuss its response to the other countries that signed the UK statement. This marks a notable escalation in diplomatic tensions, following a pattern of reciprocal measures between Israel and Western nations over settlement policies and Palestinian recognition that has intensified over the past year.
What Happens Next
Israel is expected to announce additional retaliatory measures against France, Canada, and the nine endorsing nations following its Wednesday government meeting. The consulate closure, combined with the barring of UK MPs from entry, signals a hardening Israeli position ahead of next month's elections. Diplomatic tensions between Israel and Western allies over settlement policy are likely to intensify further.
Sources: Al Jazeera and other international news outlets.
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