UK security adviser visited Israel in bid to keep Jerusalem consulate open, sources say
Item 1 of 2 A view of the British Consulate, a day after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he would close it in response to trade sanctions imposed by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, in East Jerusalem, September 9, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad [1/2] A view of the British Consulate, a day after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he would close it in response to trade sanctions imposed by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham against... Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab Read more Summary Jonathan Powell held talks with Israeli officials last week, three sources say Powell failed to reach agreement to keep consulate open, though talks ongoing, sources say Israel ordered closure in response to UK sanctions on settlements TEL AVIV, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Britain's top national security official quietly visited Israel last week in a bid to prevent the closure of his country's consulate in East Jerusalem which was ordered by Israel after London announced sanctions on Israeli settlements, three sources said. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, whose visit has not been disclosed by Britain's government, held talks with Israeli officials but failed to reach an agreement to keep the consulate open, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Sign up here. Israel on September 8 ordered Britain to close the East Jerusalem consulate within 30 days and remove its diplomats from the city, after Britain said it would ban goods made in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. France and Canada joined in the sanctions. Israel has not taken action against them. ISRAEL-UK RELATIONS INCREASINGLY STRAINED The incident highlighted growing frustration among Israel's longtime allies over its settlements in the occupied West Bank, viewed by much of the world as illegal under international law. Israel disputes this. The 30-day deadline for Britain to close the consulate runs out on Thursday. Two of the sources said talks were still ongoing, and while an agreement to keep it open was possible, it is unlikely one would be struck by the Thursday deadline. Asked about Powell's visit and talks with London over the consulate, a spokesperson for Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told Reuters that it would close on Thursday, as announced. A UK government spokesperson had no immediate comment. In announcing the sanctions, Britain said that Israel's actions were undermining the possibility of a two-state solution — the idea of a Palestinian state co-existing peacefully alongside Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government openly rejects the idea of Palestinian statehood. Britain cited Israeli government-backed plans to expand settlements and rising settler attacks targeting Palestinians in the West Bank. The British sanctions are to take effect next year. The British consulate, in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, handles the country's relations with Palestinians in the city as well as in the West Bank and Gaza. It also provides consular services to Palestinians. Israel's foreign minister has said that Britain's decision to impose sanctions was "morally distorted", accusing Britain's ruling Labour party of being hostile towards the country, and of interfering in Israel's upcoming general election on October 27. The British sanctions announcement, and Israel's response, marked a new low in the relationship between the once steadfast allies. Britain has repeatedly criticised Israel over its actions in the war in Gaza and over Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians. Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Andrew Heavens Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Suggested Topics: United Kingdom X Facebook Linkedin Email Link Purchase Licensing Rights Alexander Cornwell Thomson Reuters Alexander has over a decade of international reporting experience. He is currently a senior correspondent in Jerusalem covering Israel & the Palestinian Territories and was formerly in Dubai where he covered the Arabian Peninsula, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, often writing about foreign policy, security and economic-related issues. Email X Instagram Linkedin