Israel has ordered the United Kingdom to close its consulate in East Jerusalem within 30 days, according to Israeli officials and sources familiar with the matter.
The move follows new sanctions imposed by Britain, France and Canada over Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The British consulate has represented the UK on Palestinian affairs in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza for decades.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said “he regretted Israel’s decision, but added that it was not unexpected.”
Britain announced on Tuesday that it would ban imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and impose measures against companies and individuals providing services to the settlements.
France and Canada also announced similar restrictions.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the measures and accused Britain of “interfering in Israel’s internal affairs.”
Israel has also barred Britain from training Palestinian security forces in the West Bank and announced entry bans on 12 British lawmakers and other nationals, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The latest measures have increased diplomatic tensions between Israel and some of its Western allies.
Reuters
