Israel to close British consulate in Jerusalem in response to UK sanction on West Bank settlements

The United Kingdom has banned trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israel responded by closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and expelling UK representatives. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated settler terrorists perpetrate ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. This move signifies growing international isolation for Israel following the Gaza war. The United Kingdom also recognized Palestinian statehood last year to revive peace efforts.