Israel to close British consulate in East Jerusalem
The British consulate in East Jerusalem is accredited to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank
Israel announced on Tuesday that it would be closing Britain's consulate in East Jerusalem, citing the UK, France, and Canada's plans to block imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, criticized the move, stating that it was morally distorted and an interference in Israel's internal affairs.
The British consulate in East Jerusalem serves as an accreditation to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Saar accused Britain of interfering in Israel's upcoming elections, scheduled for late October. The UK, France, and Canada's trade measures against Israel are part of a broader effort to uphold the two-state solution and come as Israel's government finances some of the West Bank's most radical settlers.
Despite the trade measures being largely symbolic, they are symbolic and will not significantly impact Israel's overall trade flows. However, they are a part of efforts to bolster support for the two-state solution, as Israel recently announced plans for 1,000 new West Bank homes. The UK Foreign Minister, Jeremy Corbyn, and some British officials, including former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, will be barred from entering Israel.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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