British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell secretly visited Israel last week in an attempt to avert the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem, according to a report by the Reuters news agency.
1+According to the report, Powell—whose trip the British government did not publicly disclose—held discussions with Israeli officials to reach an understanding that would allow the mission to continue operating. However, the talks ended without an agreement.
On September 8, Israel ordered Britain to shut down its consulate in East Jerusalem within 30 days and withdraw British diplomats from the city. The diplomatic sanction followed London’s announcement of sanctions targeting products originating from Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria.
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The Israeli-imposed deadline for the consulate’s closure is set to expire this Thursday. Two sources cited in the report told Reuters that contacts between the sides are ongoing and that a deal averting the shutdown remains theoretically possible. Still, they said it is highly unlikely an accord will be finalized before the deadline.