As UK consulate closes, Sa'ar vows Israel will enact consequences on hostile countries - exclusive

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced at The Jerusalem Post's Diplomatic Conference that Israel will retaliate against countries taking hostile diplomatic action, warning Britain it risks losing influence in Gaza and Jerusalem. He defended closing the British Consulate in Jerusalem, stating the era of containment is over. Sa'ar also announced Colombia will open an embassy in Jerusalem next week, becoming the 10th country to do so.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar declared at The Jerusalem Post's Diplomatic Conference on Thursday that Israel will retaliate against countries taking hostile diplomatic action, warning Britain's Labour government it risks losing influence in Gaza and Jerusalem. Sa'ar defended closing the British Consulate in Jerusalem, stating, "The time of containment in the face of hostile [acts] against the State of Israel is over." He said Israel has removed British representatives from the International Gaza Support Center in Kiryat Gat, terminated British training for PA security forces in the West Bank, and barred 12 British elected officials. Sa'ar authorized a task force of only seven British diplomats with limited scope. He accused the Labour government of pursuing a "hostile" policy since July 2024. Sa'ar also announced Colombia will open an embassy in Jerusalem on October 14, becoming the 10th country to do so, and that the Democratic Republic of the Congo agreed to open an embassy.