Israel Orders Closure of British Consulate in East Jerusalem Amid Sanctions Row
Diplomatic Tensions and International Sanctions
Israel's Directive to the British Consulate
TEL AVIV, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Israel has told the British consulate in East Jerusalem that it must close and that diplomats assigned there will lose their accreditation within 30 days, an Israeli official and two sources familiar with the matter said.
British representatives assigned to a U.S.-led Gaza coordination mission in Israel, as well as British diplomats based in Ramallah, must leave within seven days, the two sources said.
Foreign Minister's Response to Sanctions
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday said Britain must close its consulate in East Jerusalem, which is accredited to the Palestinian Authority, in response to Britain imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
International Reactions and Further Sanctions
Joining Britain, France and Canada also said they would ban the import of goods from settlements.
Government Response and Diplomatic Implications
Israel's government, which expected the sanctions, is set to meet on Wednesday to discuss its response to countries who also signed Britain's action, said three sources familiar with the matter.
All sources spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Other Consulates and Previous Actions
France and Sweden, which endorsed Britain's action, also have consulates in Jerusalem accredited to the Palestinian Authority.
Israel has in the past forced the closure of diplomatic offices in Ramallah, the administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority. Canada has an office in Ramallah.
(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Tom Hogue and Christopher Cushing)
