Full Breakdown
Britain Weighs Defiance of Israeli Order to Close East Jerusalem Consulate
By Drooid · · How we work
Background: UK-Israel Tensions Over Settlement Trade
In response to UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband’s decision to ban trade with Israeli settlements, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced a retaliatory package that includes the closure of the British Consulate-General in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. The move follows heightened diplomatic friction over settlement policy and reflects Israel’s broader strategy of pressuring foreign missions that criticize its settlement activities.
Israeli Ultimatum and Consulate Status
Saar set a deadline of 8 October for the consulate’s shutdown. While the consulate remains open and its flag still flies, the Israeli government has signaled that it may block entry for British diplomats after any leave, effectively limiting the mission’s ability to operate. Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King has called for the municipality to cut electricity and water to the premises, arguing that services should only be provided to the sovereign authority of Israel.
Legal Opinions and Diplomatic Considerations
Sir Vincent Fean, a former consul-general in East Jerusalem and trustee of the British Palestine Project, described the Israeli threat as “illegal” and an unlawful assertion of sovereignty. The British Palestine Project has commissioned a legal opinion from Dominic Grieve KC, former attorney-general, to assess the legality of Israel’s demand. British officials have not confirmed whether they will comply, and the Foreign Office’s response to inquiries has been described as evasive.
Potential Impact on Consular Operations
If Israel enforces the ultimatum, British diplomatic staff could face “siege-like” conditions similar to those experienced by embassy personnel in Kuwait after the 1990 Iraqi invasion. The consulate’s staff, who possess extensive knowledge of settler pressure and evictions in Sheikh Jarrah, may be forced to vacate the building, raising concerns about the safety of local employees and the continuity of consular services for Palestinians in the area.
Official Responses
The UK government has not issued a definitive statement on compliance, leaving open the possibility of defying the Israeli order. Israeli authorities maintain that the deadline is firm, while local Israeli officials emphasize the need to enforce sovereignty over municipal services. The situation remains fluid as both sides weigh legal, diplomatic, and security implications.