With Closure Deadline Ending, Britain Removes Signs from Its Consulate in Jerusalem

Workers removed signs and panels from the British Consulate in East Jerusalem during Wednesday night, after Israel ordered its closure by Thursday, in retaliation for London's plans to impose sanctions on West Bank settlements.

These developments exacerbate the deterioration of relations between the two sides.

Reuters reported that consulate workers removed a sign reading "British Consulate General" and another indicating the consular section, while the British flag remained raised above the building. No immediate comment was issued by the consulate.

Last month, Israel ordered Britain to close the consulate within 30 days and withdraw its diplomats from the city, after Britain announced sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including a trade ban on goods manufactured there.

The United Nations and most countries consider the settlements illegal under international law, a position Israel disputes.

Israel insists on closing the consulate despite British efforts to keep it open, including sending the country's top national security advisor to Israel last week for talks.

Britain's presence in the city dates back nearly 200 years, long before the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The closure order does not include the British Embassy in Tel Aviv, which manages diplomatic relations with the Israeli government.