Israel Orders British Consulate in East Jerusalem to Close

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. British representatives assigned to a US-led Gaza coordination mission in Israel, as well as diplomats based in Ramallah, must leave within seven days.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the move was in response to British sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

France and Canada have joined Britain in announcing bans on imports of goods from settlements. The Israeli government is due to meet on Wednesday to discuss its response to countries that supported Britain’s action.

France and Sweden, which also backed Britain’s action, have consulates in Jerusalem accredited to the Palestinian Authority.

Israel has previously forced the closure of diplomatic offices in Ramallah, the administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority.

(Reuters, max)