Jonathan Powell, Britain’s National Security Adviser, went to Israel in an attempt to save the British consulate in Jerusalem. His effort failed.
The consulate, in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, has operated in Jerusalem for almost 200 years. Around 30 British diplomats work there alongside family members, and the mission manages Britain’s relations with Palestinians in the city, the West Bank and Gaza.
The dispute began after Britain banned trade in goods made in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israel then ordered Britain on September 8 to close the East Jerusalem consulate within 30 days and withdraw its diplomats from the city.
The deadline falls on Thursday. Gideon Saar, Israel’s foreign minister, has accused London of interfering in this month’s election, and a spokesperson confirmed that the consulate would close on Thursday.
Britain is considering the expulsion of Israeli diplomats from Israel’s embassy in London if the closure goes ahead. A source said Britain still hoped an agreement could prevent it.
London was not expected to respond until after Israel’s October 27 election, if it responds at all.
The row comes despite close economic, security and intelligence ties between the UK and Israel. Britain has repeatedly criticised Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza and Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians, while Israel’s government has accused the governing Labour Party of hostility towards Israel.
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