Tensions Escalate: Israel Issues Ultimatum for UK to Vacate Jerusalem Consulate Within 30 Days
The Israeli government has reportedly ordered the United Kingdom to vacate its consulate offices in East Jerusalem. This development follows the UK’s announcement of a ban on imports of products from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Al Jazeera, in its report on Wednesday (8/9/2026), revealed that Israel has requested the UK to close its consulate in East Jerusalem within 30 days. The report was sourced from two Israeli officials and two other individuals familiar with the matter.
British staff involved in the US-led Gaza coordination mission, along with those stationed in Ramallah, must also depart within seven days. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that the UK will be removed from the Gaza mission. Saar also stated that several British Members of Parliament, including former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, will be prohibited from entering Israel.
Furthermore, Saar confirmed that Israel will close the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem. “The UK’s move is morally distorted and constitutes blatant interference in the affairs of a sovereign state and its electoral process,” he said, labelling what he described as allegations made by UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband as “outrageous lies.”
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated on Wednesday that he regrets Israel’s decision but admitted he was not surprised. “We considered the consequences and benefits of the action… and we felt we could not remain silent because we fear Israel’s actions,” Miliband told the BBC.
The import ban involves goods or products manufactured in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. This policy marks a significant step for the UK since its recognition of the Palestinian state last year.
Miliband announced the ban on products from illegal settlements during a speech to the British Parliament on Tuesday (8/9/2026). He stated that it is now official UK policy to view settlements built by Israel in the West Bank as illegal.
“I do not believe the British people want us to support the occupation by accepting products from settlements in our shops and supermarkets,” Miliband added.