British audacity in the heart of Jerusalem: The delegation that does not recognize Israel – and the diplomatic minefield | Chaim Silberstein

An opinion column calling on Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to stand by his decision to close the British consulate in Jerusalem, arguing that it operates while denying Israeli sovereignty in the city and conducts an independent policy toward the Palestinians. The author warns against international pressure and urges not to back down.

An opinion column by Chaim Silberstein calling on Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to stand by his decision to close the British consulate in Jerusalem. The author describes the consulate as a foreign diplomatic mission that is not subordinate to the British embassy in Israel, does not recognize Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem, and directs its political activity toward the Palestinian Authority. He quotes the British government website stating that the consulate represents Britain in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and Gaza, and that Britain considers East Jerusalem occupied territory. The author argues that the decision, made in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is a turning point, and that Israel must not succumb to British pressure claiming Israel has no authority to close the consulate. He emphasizes that this is a basic principle of sovereignty, and that good relations with Britain cannot come at the expense of Israeli sovereignty in its capital. The message to Minister Sa'ar is to complete the decision and not turn it into a subject for negotiation.

British audacity in the heart of Jerusalem: The delegation that does not recognize Israel – and the diplomatic minefield | Chaim Silberstein