Gaza Herald – British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has confirmed that the UK government is actively considering defying an Israeli order to close the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem. He stated that officials are examining every available option and emphasized that the government does not wish for the closure to occur.
The directive from the Israeli government was issued as retaliation for Miliband’s announcement of sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements earlier this month. Israel set a deadline of 8 October for the closure, though it was previously assumed Britain would comply. Middle East Eye revealed on Monday that a final decision had not yet been made.
As the consulate is located in occupied Palestinian territory and Britain recognizes the state of Palestine, the UK government does not accept the legitimacy of Israel’s order to shut down the facility. Foreign Office officials provided evasive responses when asked for confirmation on Monday morning, but Miliband addressed the matter directly in an interview with LBC later that day.
When asked if the UK could refuse to close the consulate, Miliband insisted they were looking at all their options. He argued that closing the office would damage important work helping communities, including Palestinians, noting the consulate has existed for nearly 200 years. He condemned the Israeli position as morally wrong.
Miliband revealed he is discussing the issue with foreign ministers globally, stressing the importance of the UK presence in Jerusalem. An act of defiance would likely cause significant diplomatic conflict, with tensions already high over settlement sanctions. While physical removal of staff is unlikely, Israel can block entry, banning diplomats from returning after leave.
Fears exist that British diplomats could face harassment from settlers active near the embassy, with local staff particularly vulnerable. Sir Vincent Fean, a former consul-general, told MEE that Israel’s threat is both wrong and illegal.
A legal opinion commissioned by the British Palestine Project from Dominic Grieve KC states Israel made an unlawful assertion of sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territory. Grieve noted that successive British governments affirm Israel’s rights are limited to those of an occupying power.
Grieve added that Israel lacks the right to impose sovereign control over East Jerusalem. He explained that British consul generals do not present commissions to Israel, meaning there is no accreditation for Israel to withdraw. The closure threatens consular services and hampers aid oversight.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
