Israel closes the British consulate in East Jerusalem and expels United Kingdom representatives from a coordination center

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the closure of the United Kingdom’s consulate in East Jerusalem and the expulsion of British representatives from the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat. The measures are presented as a response to sanctions imposed by London on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Israel will also halt the training provided by British forces to the Palestinian Authority’s security forces in Ramallah. In addition, 12 British citizens, including members of parliament and members of organizations, will no longer be allowed to enter Israel. The list announced by the Israeli authorities includes MPs Jeremy Corbyn, Zarah Sultana, Naz Shah, Diane Abbott, Hannah Spencer, Carla Denyer, Sian Berry, Ellie Chowns, John McDonnell, Richard Burgon and Adrian Ramsay, as well as Fahad Ansari, director of the Riverway to the Sea organization.

Sa’ar described the British sanctions as “flagrant” interference in elections and argued that they move the prospect of a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict further away.

The Israeli minister accused the Labour Government in London of systematically acting against Israel, stating that the measures adopted represent, in his view, a response to hostile actions.

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