Most UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate after Israel announces closure of facility

Israel said it would shut the consulate in retaliation for sanctions, adding ‘we did not want it to come to this’

Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's foreign minister, said 20 diplomats and the Consul General would leave Israel, adding that “we did not want it to come to this”.

However, he added that “with a very limited scope of activity”, a task force of seven could remain in the building.

As he announced the closure on Thursday, Sa'ar said the UK had accused the Israeli government of turning a blind eye to the “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians.

The foreign minister described these as “false accusations against Israel”.

According to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, some staff had been “temporarily withdrawn” for security reasons.

However, he added that the mission will “work with the Palestinian people”.

Miliband also said that it was his position that Israel didn't have the right to close the consulate.

Israeli right-wing activists outside the British Consulate in Jerusalem during a protest against the recently announced British sanctions in September. Credit: Getty Images

UK - Israeli tensions that led to the consulate's shutdown

The consulate's closure comes amid British sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Last month, Israel said it would shut the consulate in retaliation for sanctions.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham then hailed UK sanctions which were announced by Miliband on imports from illegal settlements in the West Bank.

Here's what you need to know about the trade ban

According to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, both imports of goods and some services to and from Israeli settlements would come under the ban.

As settler expansion and violence ramp up in the West Bank, along with major allies such as France and Canada, Britain has followed the path of some European neighbours.

Advertising illegal settlements for sale will be prohibited, even if trade in services between the UK and settlements is not outlawed entirely.

Secretary Miliband promised “action” against specific companies and individuals which provide construction, infrastructure financing, or real estate services, but no specific person or entity were named.

“So to those who finance or facilitate illegal settlements, let me say this. You will face the full force of UK sanctions,” Miliband said in the Commons.

According to the foreign secretary, the UK would also impose new sanctions on “extremist settlers” and refuse applications for arms sales and other exports that “materially contribute to the occupation”.

However, what that phrase encompasses is not entirely clear.

What is not included in the ban

A blanket ban on trade in services as had been endorsed by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Bryant in July was notable for its absence.

There was also no mention of a universal ban on exports to settlements, just on imports.

Instead of using the existing sanctions rules, Miliband said the government would create a “new comprehensive sanctions regime” to give effect to the embargo.

While Miliband said the regime would be in place within six to nine months, he did not reveal how the measures would be enforced.

On the UK government, pressure has been mounting to take action as Israeli settlements grow and Palestinians face increased violence and intimidation.

In recent years, Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory have rapidly expanded while the Israeli government is planning more.

Miliband described as an “unacceptable and destructive act” the latest plans by the Israelis to build about 1,200 homes, as part of the E1 programme of expansion in the West Bank.

The UK government has long opposed such outposts, as it finds them a breach of international law and a threat to a two-state solution.