Israel Orders Closure of British Consulate in East Jerusalem Within 30 Days
World
Israel has notified the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem that it must cease operations within 30 days. At the same time, London has been given a shorter deadline of seven days to withdraw several of its representatives from Israel.
Reuters reported the move, citing an Israeli official and diplomatic sources. According to the sources, British representatives working in the US-led coordination mission for Gaza in Israel, as well as UK diplomats based in Ramallah in the West Bank, must leave the country within seven days.
The Israeli decision followed an announcement by UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband that Britain would ban trade with Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. London also plans measures against companies operating in the settlements and a ban on advertising goods and services linked to them.
According to Miliband, the restrictions will not affect trade with Israel within its internationally recognized borders.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had previously announced the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem in response to the UK measures. Other steps include removing British representatives from a headquarters in Kiryat Gat and ending Britain’s participation in training Palestinian Authority forces in Ramallah.
Israel also plans to bar 12 British politicians and citizens from entering the country. Saar said the measures concern individuals involved in anti-Israeli and antisemitic activities and those who deny Israel’s right to exist.
“Anyone who acts against Israel will face a response,” Saar said.
The Israeli decision followed an announcement by UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband that Britain would ban trade with Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. London also plans measures against companies operating in the settlements and a ban on advertising goods and services linked to them.
According to Miliband, the restrictions will not affect trade with Israel within its internationally recognized borders.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had previously announced the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem in response to the UK measures. Other steps include removing British representatives from a headquarters in Kiryat Gat and ending Britain’s participation in training Palestinian Authority forces in Ramallah.
Israel also plans to bar 12 British politicians and citizens from entering the country. Saar said the measures concern individuals involved in anti-Israeli and antisemitic activities and those who deny Israel’s right to exist.
“Anyone who acts against Israel will face a response,” Saar said.
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