Diplomatic Bombshell
Israel Weighs Shutting Down British and French Consulates After ‘Palestine’ Recognition
Israel is reportedly weighing the closure of the British and French consulates in Jerusalem in retaliation for their governments' recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that would represent a significant diplomatic escalation. The unique status of these consulates, which were established under the Ottoman Empire and do not formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, is at the heart of the matter.
In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Israel is reportedly considering the closure of the British and French consulates in Jerusalem as a retaliatory measure for their governments' recent recognition of a Palestinian state.
The potential closures were first reported by Channel 12 journalist Amit Segal, who noted that while the move would be a powerful statement, it would not impact the official embassies located in Tel Aviv. Segal explained the unique status of the Jerusalem consulates, which were established during the Ottoman Empire and have operated under a unique diplomatic arrangement. He explained that by existing as consulates in the "city of Jerusalem," rather than the "Israeli capital," they have long represented a not-so-subtle rejection of Israel’s sovereignty over the city and a tacit acknowledgment of East Jerusalem as the future capital of a Palestinian state.
The diplomatic friction comes after a wave of international recognitions of a Palestinian state. On September 21, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced their recognition. Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron joined leaders from Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco in making a similar announcement during a summit in New York.
The proposed closures have been met with support from some Israeli officials. Member of Knesset Dan Illouz of the Likud party has been a vocal opponent of the recognitions, even setting up a protest office outside the French Consulate. Illouz argued that a response is needed on two fronts: "by applying Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, to show the world that this land is ours and that terror carries a price, not a prize, and by immediately shutting down the foreign consulates in Jerusalem that have become de facto embassies for a fictitious state and hubs of anti-Israel propaganda."
Illouz concluded, "The time for ambiguity is over: Jerusalem is Israel’s eternal capital."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the diplomatic recognitions, calling them a "shameful surrender." Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s firm position, declaring, "A Palestinian state will not be established," and insisted that the international moves would have no effect on Israel's stance on the matter.
If the closures proceed, Segal warned that London and Paris could respond in kind by expelling Israeli diplomats, further straining relations. The diplomatic standoff underscores the deep international divides over the status of Jerusalem and the future of a Palestinian state.