Israel has announced a series of retaliatory measures against the United Kingdom following Britain-led Western sanctions related to Israeli settlements and settler violence in the occupied West Bank. The measures include the planned closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem and a ban on 12 British nationals from entering Israel. The decision marks a fresh escalation in diplomatic tensions between Israel and the UK over policies concerning the West Bank and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar strongly criticised the British government and accused London of interfering in Israel’s internal affairs ahead of the country’s October 27 elections. “The accusations made today by the foreign secretary in the British Parliament were outrageous lies," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said, after British counterpart Ed Miliband accused Israeli settlers of “ethnic cleansing" in the West Bank, AFP reported.

Why Did Israel Ban 12 British Nationals?

Saar said Britain’s actions amounted to interference in Israel’s domestic affairs and strongly objected to the sanctions announced by London and other Western governments. “The British move is morally distorted and constitutes blatant interference in the affairs of a sovereign state and in its electoral process," Saar added. The 12 British nationals barred from entering Israel include former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, a prominent supporter of the Palestinian cause. Most of those included on the list are members of the UK Parliament. The list also includes Zarah Sultana, who recently left the Labour Party alongside Corbyn and became involved in efforts to form the left-wing Your Party.

Why Is Israel Closing The British Consulate In East Jerusalem?

As part of its response to Britain, Saar announced that the British consulate in East Jerusalem would be shut down. The consulate is accredited to the Palestinian Authority and has an important role in Britain’s diplomatic engagement with the Palestinians. Israel has also said that Britain will no longer be allowed to participate in a US-led coordination mission for Gaza, further increasing tensions between the two countries.

What Triggered The Israel-UK Diplomatic Dispute?

The latest dispute follows sanctions announced by 12 countries, including the UK, Canada and France, targeting trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The measures came amid a reported increase in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied territory. The sanctions have added to existing disagreements between Israel and several Western governments over settlement expansion, settler violence and the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank.

What is The Status Of East Jerusalem?

The British consulate targeted by Israel is located in East Jerusalem, which Palestinians claim as part of their historic territory and future state. Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed the area. Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital and exercises control over the entire city. However, most countries, including the UK, do not recognise Israeli sovereignty over all of Jerusalem. The status of the city remains one of the most sensitive issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Where Do Most Countries Have Their Embassies In Israel?

Most countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Israel continue to keep their embassies in Tel Aviv, rather than Jerusalem, because of the unresolved international dispute over the status of the city. The United States is an exception. During Donald Trump’s presidency, Washington moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The latest Israeli measures against Britain have therefore added another layer to longstanding disagreements over Jerusalem, Israeli settlements, the West Bank and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.