Israel announced a series of retaliatory measures against the United Kingdom on Tuesday, closing its consulate in East Jerusalem and banning a dozen British lawmakers from entering the country. The move comes in response to sanctions imposed by the UK, France, and Canada targeting Israel's settlement policies in the West Bank.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar declared that British trade sanctions "will not go unanswered" and labeled Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's announcement in Parliament as "outrageous lies." Sa'ar stated that the Israeli government had consulted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the measures, asserting that a "hostile Labour Government is in office, systematically acting against the State of Israel and it has left us with no choice but to finally respond to its hostile actions."
Israel also expelled British military personnel involved in peacebuilding operations, including their work alongside U.S. and Israeli forces at the International Gaza Support Centre. The training of Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank has also been terminated.
The closure of the East Jerusalem consulate significantly reduces the UK's diplomatic presence in the region, although its embassy in Tel Aviv remains open. Concerns have been raised that Israel may reduce intelligence sharing with the UK, a partnership that has previously helped thwart terror attacks on British soil.
Sa'ar described UK policy as "morally distorted" and "blatant interference in the affairs of a sovereign state and its electoral process." He referenced the Balfour Declaration, issued by the British government over a century ago, which recognized the Jewish people's right to a national home in the region.
Among the dozen British politicians barred from entering Israel are Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott, Zarah Sultana, and John McDonnell, as well as all five Green Party Members of Parliament. These individuals have been accused of "anti-Semitic and anti-Israel activities."
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the British government's decision, calling it a "grave mistake" that could embolden extremist voices in Israel and encourage terrorist organizations ahead of upcoming Israeli elections.
The sanctions were coordinated with France and Canada, with the three nations declaring them a "turning point" in their commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a joint statement, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian leader Mark Carney emphasized that a "safe and secure Palestine" must coexist with Israel's security and that settlement expansion poses a direct threat to peace.
These nations, along with Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden, plan to co-chair a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly later this month to further discuss the issue.