UK security adviser failed to prevent Jerusalem consulate closure, sources say

Sources indicated that Powell held talks with Israeli officials but failed to reach an agreement to keep the consulate open. The 30-day deadline for the closure expires on Thursday. While two sources suggested talks were still ongoing and an agreement remained possible, they deemed it unlikely to be struck by the deadline.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's spokesperson confirmed to Reuters that the consulate would close on Thursday as announced. A UK government spokesperson declined to comment immediately.

Britain's sanctions, set to take effect next year, were announced after it stated that Israel's actions were undermining the possibility of a two-state solution. The British government cited Israeli government-backed plans to expand settlements and an increase in settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. Israel disputes the international view that its settlements are illegal under international law.

France and Canada have also imposed similar sanctions, though Israel has not taken action against them. The British consulate is located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem and serves Palestinians in the city, the West Bank, and Gaza, providing consular services. Israel's foreign minister had previously described Britain's sanctions as "morally distorted" and accused the UK's ruling Labour party of being hostile and interfering in Israel's upcoming general election.