UK seeks to avert closure of East Jerusalem consulate

Israel has ordered Britain to close its consulate in East Jerusalem by Thursday, 8 October, but London is still trying to persuade it to reverse the decision. The post is separate from the British embassy in Tel Aviv: it represents the UK in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza and provides consular assistance to British nationals in those areas. [1] [6] [7]

Israel announced the closure after Britain unveiled measures targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar rejected Britain’s criticism and presented the closure as a response to its measures and earlier decisions. His spokesperson told Reuters on Monday that the consulate would close on Thursday. [4] [7]

Reuters reported that Britain’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, visited Israel last week seeking an agreement but did not secure one. A source told the agency Britain still hoped to reach a deal. Reuters also reported that around 30 British diplomats work at the consulate. [7]

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said on 8 September that Britain’s wider settlement legislation would be in place within six to nine months, putting its announced timetable beyond the consulate’s 8 October deadline. Britain separately announced sanctions against five individuals under existing powers. Miliband said the planned regime would target settlements and settlement expansion, while trade with Israel within the Green Line would continue. [2] [3] [7]