Israel is closing the British consulate in East Jerusalem today in retaliation for the UK's ban on trade with illegal West Bank settlements, it has been confirmed. The Israeli foreign minister announced the move on Thursday after the UK accused the Israeli government of turning a blind eye to the "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians. The consul general and 20 diplomatic staff will be "ending their assignments and will leave Israel", the Israeli foreign minister said.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told the Commons on September 8 that a "new approach" was necessary because plans for West Bank development would render a two-state solution "unviable". He said: "The British government agrees that there is ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in areas of the West Bank - perpetrated by settler terrorists. "And all too often the Israeli government has turned a blind eye to this and worse, members of it have made statements and taken actions to support the forced displacement of Palestinians." Both Israel and the US criticised the UK's stance, which involves a ban on imports from illegal settlements in the West Bank and sanctions on individuals and firms providing services to settlers.
Overnight workers in Jerusalem were seen removing signs and plaques at the consulate. journalists saw workers in the consulate remove a plaque reading "British Consulate General" and another sign for its consular section. _This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly._ _You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the_**_Sky News app_**_. You can also_**_follow us on WhatsApp_**_and subscribe to our_**_YouTube channel_**_to keep up with the latest news._
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