UK defies Israeli order to close consulate, reiterates East Jerusalem is occupied
Tehran - BORNA - In a statement, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized that London does not recognize the Israeli cabinet's legal authority to close the nearly 200-year-old diplomatic mission. "The UK government reiterates its long-standing position that East Jerusalem is occupied territory," Miliband stated.
According to the British top diplomat, the newly named British Mission will function as an independent and active entity, providing essential services and continuing London's cooperation with the Palestinian people. He noted this measure guarantees Britain's enduring presence and its role in supporting a two-state solution.
Miliband added that due to a lack of mutual understanding and safety guarantees for the premises, the UK has temporarily withdrawn some staff and their families from the region. He stated that Britain would seek to reinforce its presence in the coming months and would refrain from retaliatory actions as long as credible discussions continue.
Thursday marked the end of a 30-day ultimatum issued by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar for the closure of the consulate. Reuters journalists reported seeing staff remove the "British Consulate General" sign and the consular section plaque, though the British flag continued to fly over the building in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
The diplomatic row—marking one of the most strained periods in the history of the two traditional allies—was sparked by the UK's recent wave of sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements, including a ban on the import of settlement-produced goods. Following the Israeli closure order, British media reported that London had threatened to expel up to 27 Israeli diplomats and their families from the UK in a proportionate tit-for-tat response.
Meanwhile, Israeli financial institutions are expressing mounting concern over the potential expansion of British sanctions. According to the Israeli daily Haaretz, the Association of Banks in Israel has issued a cautious assessment warning that banks could be targeted by UK measures if they are involved in funding or constructing settlement projects in the occupied West Bank.
The banks have reportedly declined to comment on whether they will provide guarantees for contractors bidding on government tenders for the highly controversial "E1" settlement project. The E1 project, located in occupied East Jerusalem, aims to connect the Ma'ale Adumim settlement to the city by confiscating Palestinian land, effectively severing East Jerusalem from the rest of the occupied West Bank.
On September 8, twelve countries, including the UK, France, Spain, and Canada, announced bans on trade with Israeli settlements. The UK Foreign Office had also signaled its intention to expand its sanctions regime to include entities and individuals financing or participating in settlement construction.
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