Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Between UK and Israel as Tel Aviv Orders Closure of British Consulate
LONDON : Britain’s relationship with Israel has hit a new low, with the Israelis having issued a formal directive for the British consulate in Jerusalem to be closed in 30 days.
Israeli authorities have officially notified the British mission of the decision, which also will result in the cancellation of the diplomatic accreditation and credentials of the British diplomats at the facility, according to international news agencies and diplomatic sources.
Responding to UK Sanctions on Illegal Settlers
This is a radical diplomatic step taken by Israel just a day after the British government imposed a series of targeted sanctions against radical and illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied Palestinian territories.
London has already applied asset freezes and travel restrictions to several persons and organisations involved in acts of extremist violence, intimidation and the establishment of illegal outposts against West Bank Palestinians. The retaliatory closure order reflects a growing split between the two allies in their regional policies.