Britain is likely to respond in kind if Israel closes its consulate in East Jerusalem on Thursday, four sources told Reuters. London still hopes to reach an agreement, the agency reported.
Britain is likely to expel Israeli diplomats if Israel goes ahead with an order to close the British consulate in East Jerusalem, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing four sources familiar with the matter. The potential response would involve a similar number of diplomats from Israel’s embassy in the United Kingdom. The sources did not say how soon Britain might act.
Israel issued its order on September 8, giving Britain 30 days to close the consulate. The deadline expires Thursday. The move followed Britain’s announcement that it would ban trade in goods made in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. About 30 British diplomats work at the consulate, and their family members would also be affected, the sources said.
One source said Britain remained hopeful that a deal could still be reached. Reuters reported on Monday that national security adviser Jonathan Powell had travelled to Israel the previous week in an effort to keep the consulate open, but no agreement followed. Two sources said Britain had asked European countries to raise the issue with Israel in the hope of persuading it to reverse the decision.
A spokesman for Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told Reuters on Monday that the consulate would close on Thursday. An Israeli official said any action against Israel would be met with a response. Britain’s Foreign Office did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment, and Israel’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment.
The consulate, in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, manages Britain’s relations with Palestinians in the city, the West Bank and Gaza. It also provides consular services to Palestinians. The post has been in Jerusalem for nearly 200 years, long before Israel was established in 1948.
The latest dispute adds strain to relations between countries that were once close allies. Britain has repeatedly criticised Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war and attacks by settlers against Palestinians. Israel’s government has accused the governing Labour Party of being hostile to Israel. Britain recognised the State of Palestine last year.
Britain’s planned sanctions are due to take effect next year. France and Canada announced sanctions as well, though Israel has not taken similar action against Paris or Ottawa, Reuters reported. Nearly all countries and UN bodies regard settlements in the occupied West Bank as illegal under international law, a position Israel disputes.