Israel to close UK consulate and bar some British MPs over settler sanctions

Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, announced that his country will close the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem following the Labour government's announcement of sanctions against Israeli settlements. This move marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic rift between Israel and some of its most crucial Western allies.

The consulate in East Jerusalem, which employs dozens of staff, serves as the epicenter of the UK's engagement with Palestinians in the occupied territories. It handles consular matters, political engagement with the Palestinian Authority, and aid programs. Israel has also decided to remove British military and security officials who train Palestinian Authority security officials based in a mission in Ramallah.

Additionally, Israel will remove British officials from the Civilian-Military Co-ordination Committee, which oversees the aid and reconstruction process in Gaza.

Furthermore, Israel has barred 12 British MPs from entering Israel and the occupied West Bank due to their "anti-semitic and anti-Israel activity." This decision comes as the diplomatic breakdown between Israel and its Western allies intensifies.