Ben Gvir Demands Closure of British Consulate in Jerusalem Over Sanctions
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem and revoke diplomat visas following expected British sanctions against Israel.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to immediately close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, revoke work visas for British diplomats, and shut down the British Council along with any other organizations operating on behalf of the consulate for residents of the Palestinian Authority. The demand follows reports of expected British sanctions against Israel.
Call for Drastic Measures Against London
Minister Ben Gvir wrote that "this scandalous step did not come out of nowhere," attributing it to "years of ignoring repeated provocations" and a "friendly" policy that he claims repeatedly harms "Israel's status as an independent sovereign state, and specifically its sovereignty in Jerusalem."
"The response of the government of Israel must be sharp and clear — the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem and sending all the consuls back to their country of origin," Ben Gvir stated.
Criticism of British Activities in Jerusalem
Later in his letter, the minister attacked the very existence of the consulate's operations in East Jerusalem, writing: "Incomprehensibly, for decades Israel has allowed Britain to maintain in our capital, united Jerusalem, an 'embassy' to the terror-supporting Palestinian Authority, while all privileges, perks, and conveniences are received from Israel."
Regarding the activities of the British Council in Jerusalem and PA territories, Ben Gvir noted that "Britain finances a dedicated fund for projects preserving Palestinian heritage" and runs other Palestinian programs, including one allowing "artists" to research and document Palestinian history and heritage.
Rejection of British Mandate Mentality
Ben Gvir further wrote that "Britain allows itself, not for the first time, to conduct itself toward Israel as if in the days of the Mandate, time and again issuing instructions to us." He added that "it must be made clear to them in a clear manner that the Mandate ended long ago and Israel is an independent sovereign state, and as such it will not accept or allow activity within the territory of the State of Israel that undermines its sovereignty.
Concluding his letter, Ben Gvir demanded that Netanyahu "immediately order the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem," alongside revoking work visas for British diplomats, closing the British Council, and shutting down any other organization operating on behalf of the consulate for PA residents.
Previously, in response to reports of the sanctions, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote on X: "Expel the British ambassador this very evening! We will not be a doormat of an antisemitic government, in a country conquered by radical Islam, trying to save itself from economic and social decline by attacking Jews and the State of Israel. The British Mandate in the Land of Israel is over."
