Israel Moves to Close UK Consulate in East Jerusalem and Ban British MPs Following New Settlement Sanctions

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that his country will shut down the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem. This decision follows Tuesday's announcement by the Labour government regarding sanctions against Israeli settlements, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between Israel and key western allies.

The affected consulate employs dozens of staff members and serves as the primary hub for the UK’s engagement with Palestinians in the occupied territories. Its responsibilities span consular services, political engagement with the Palestinian Authority, and various aid programmes.

In addition to closing the consulate, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Israel will remove British military and security officials who train Palestinian Authority security officials from a mission in Ramallah. British officials will also be removed from the Civilian-Military Co-ordination Committee, which oversees aid and reconstruction in Gaza. Furthermore, 12 British MPs are being barred from entering Israel and the occupied West Bank due to what officials termed their "anti-semitic and anti-Israel activity".