Israel has told the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem that it must close and that diplomats assigned there will lose their accreditation within 30 days, an Israeli official and two sources familiar with the matter have said.
British representatives assigned to a US-led Gaza coordination mission in Israel, as well as British diplomats based in Ramallah, must leave within seven days, the two sources said.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday said Britain must close its consulate in occupied East Jerusalem, which is accredited to the Palestinian Authority, in response to Britain imposing sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine’s occupied West Bank.
Joining Britain, France and Canada also said they would ban the import of goods from settlements.
Israel's government, which expected the sanctions, is set to meet on Wednesday to discuss its response to countries that also signed Britain's action, said three sources familiar with the matter.
All sources spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not respond to a request for comment.
France and Sweden, which endorsed Britain's action, also have consulates in the occupied East Jerusalem accredited to the Palestinian Authority.
Israel has in the past forced the closure of diplomatic offices in Ramallah, the occupied West Bank. Canada has an office in the city.
