A diplomatic crisis has escalated between the UK and Israel, with the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem marking a significant deterioration in relations. The move follows Israel’s order to shut the mission in retaliation for recent UK sanctions targeting trade with illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. The UK’s decision to impose restrictions on those involved in settlement construction has drawn a sharp response, raising tensions between the two nations. The quiet exterior of the consulate belies the high-stakes political dispute now unfolding behind its walls.
Forced closure marks low point in UK-Israeli relations, with reports UK is considering retaliatory expulsion of Israeli diplomats from LondonIsrael marks three years since 7 October attack – liveThe UK consulate in East Jerusalem gave few signs it was at the centre of a geopolitical controversy this week, with little movement around the high-walled building save the fluttering of the union jack and the occasional car exiting the compound.The mission is to shut its doors on Thursday after Israel ordered its closure in response to a UK ban on trade with illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and sanctions on those who help build or finance them. Continue reading...
