The British government is launching a final diplomatic intervention to prevent Israel from shutting down the UK consulate in East Jerusalem. The mission, which has operated in the city since 1838, is scheduled to close later this week unless a resolution is reached. This development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations following London’s recent imposition of sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Threat of Diplomatic Expulsions
According to Israeli media reports, the UK is considering expelling up to 27 Israeli diplomats from London in response to the planned closure. Such a large-scale expulsion is an unusual step between allies and represents a potential tit-for-tat retaliation. The Foreign Office declined to comment on specific discussions or speculation regarding the expulsion of Israeli staff, maintaining a strict silence on live diplomatic negotiations.
Israel announced in September that it would close the consulate within 30 days of the UK sanctioning settlement goods and companies. The British sanctions target businesses and individuals providing services that facilitate settlement expansion. The Israeli government views the closure as a direct retaliation for these measures, which also include restrictions on settlement products entering the UK market.
Strategic and Political Consequences
Former British ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould warned that expelling the majority of Israeli diplomats would cause “grievous damage” to the bilateral relationship. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Gould noted that the move would affect critical areas including defence, security, and technology cooperation. He argued that such a drastic step would not be purely symbolic but would dismantle the structural foundations of the alliance.
Gould further suggested that the expulsions could inadvertently benefit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political standing. He stated that the action would serve as a “gift to the Israeli right,” potentially aiding the prime minister’s re-election campaign by framing the UK as an adversary. The UK National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, visited Israel last week for talks but left without securing an agreement to keep the mission open.
Impact on Regional Relations
The consulate plays a vital role in managing UK relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. Its closure would remove a key channel for diplomatic engagement in the region. Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs committee, described the shutdown as an attempt by the Israeli government to block a two-state solution. She emphasized that the closure is not within Israel’s prerogative given the occupied status of the territory.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has previously stated that the UK does not want the consulate to close. He highlighted the importance of the mission’s work in supporting local communities. While France and Canada joined the UK in imposing initial sanctions, Israel has not taken similar retaliatory actions against their diplomatic missions. The situation remains fluid as London continues its last-ditch efforts to preserve the diplomatic presence in the city.
Source: BBC
