Israel closes British Consulate in Jerusalem

On September 8, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced sanctions targeting trade with Jewish communities in areas beyond the Green Line – Judea, Samaria, the Golan, and east Jerusalem. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded angrily, warning that "whoever acts against Israel – Israel will act against them, and they will lose their influence and relevance in the region.

Measures against Israel will not go unanswered." In retaliation, Saar ordered the closure of the nearly 200-year-old British consulate in Sheikh Jarrah, removed British representatives from the international aid center in Gaza, and ended British efforts to train Palestinian Authority forces through the British Support Team in Ramallah.

Additionally, Saar imposed entry bans on 12 British officials and other citizens involved in antisemitic and anti-Israel activities, including ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Miliband's rhetoric has since grown even more hostile, with the Labour leader validating the pro-Palestinian movement's claims of "ethnic cleansing" in Judea and Samaria, despite lacking evidence. This has significantly strained Britain's relationship with Israel. Saar was justified in ordering the closure of the British consulate, and it is long overdue for Israel to demonstrate that actions against it will be met with kindred responses.

Britain and several European countries seem to believe they can punish Israel and dictate the future diplomatic agreement while still enjoying access and cooperation. This assumption needs to be challenged.

While Britain is entitled to its policies, Israel is entitled to retaliate. Following the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, which became a launching pad for attacks by Hamas. Britain's actions do not address the security concerns that arise from this history. Britain is free to pursue its policies, but Israel is entitled to impose consequences. Saar should ensure the announced measures are carried out, even in the face of British threats to expel Israeli diplomats.