UK seeks to prevent Israel from closing East Jerusalem consulate

The United Kingdom is making a last‑ditch effort to stop Israel from shutting the British consulate in East Jerusalem later this week, a move Israel said it will carry out on Thursday unless a deal is reached. The closure would end a diplomatic outpost that has been in place since 1838 and that handles the UK’s relations with Palestinians in the city, the West Bank and Gaza.

The dispute stems from the UK’s decision in September to impose sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The sanctions ban the import of settlement‑produced goods and target companies and individuals that support settlement expansion. Israel announced it would retaliate by closing the consulate within 30 days of the sanctions announcement. France and Canada joined the UK in the sanctions, but Israel has not threatened their missions.

British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell made an undisclosed visit to Israel last week, but talks did not produce an agreement. Israeli media reports that the UK is prepared to expel up to 27 Israeli diplomats if the consulate is closed. Former British ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould warned that such an expulsion would cause “grievous damage” to defence, security and technology cooperation between the two countries. Labour foreign affairs chair Emily Thornberry called the closure illegal and a further attempt by Israel’s far‑right government to block a two‑state solution. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the consulate’s loss would damage important work helping communities in the occupied territories.

If the consulate shuts, the UK is likely to follow through on its threat to expel Israeli diplomats, a step that would further strain relations and could limit British influence on the ground. The closure would also hamper the UK’s ability to engage with Palestinian authorities and civil society. Both governments now face domestic pressure – Israel to appear firm on settlements and the UK to uphold its diplomatic presence – making the coming days crucial for the future of their bilateral relationship.