Israeli reports say that the British Consulate – which represents the UK in Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza – has been given 30 days to stop operations according to BBC.
British representatives at the international co-ordination centre for Gaza, in southern Israel, and trainers working with Palestinian police in Ramallah have reportedly been given a week to leave.
The steps mark an extreme diplomatic escalation by Israel. But in an interview with Jewish News, Miliband said Britain had to do what it believed was “the right thing based on our values”.
Similar comments were made by Andy Burnham who added: “For too long, we have been hesitant to act, fearful of being accused of being anti-Israel.”
Israel hasn’t yet announced what steps it’s taking against Canada and France, which joined Britain in declaring a ban on trade with Israel’s West Bank settlements – which are illegal under international law.
The co-ordinated action shows Israel’s deepening isolation and risks further retaliation from the US – Israel’s closest ally. Although, so far, President Trump hasn’t directly commented.