Israel hits back at Miliband and closes UK consulate, bars a dozen MPs and boots out military

Israel hit back ferociously at Labour last night, closing the UK consulate in East Jerusalem and booting out Britain's military from peacebuilding operations.Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar declared that British trade sanctions 'will not go unanswered' as he also banned a dozen Left-wing politicians from entering the country.Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott, Zarah Sultana and John McDonnell, as well as all five Green MPs, are among those barred from visiting for 'anti-Semitic and anti-Israel activities'.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to respond publicly, but Mr Sa'ar said he had consulted him on the measures.Mr Sa'ar labelled Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's announcement in Parliament as 'outrageous lies' as relations between the two countries hit an all-time low.He said: 'Unfortunately, a hostile Labour Government is in office, systematically acting against the State of Israel and it has left us with no choice but to finally respond to its hostile actions.' Mr Sa'ar's countermeasures blocked the British military from working alongside US and Israeli forces in the International Gaza Support Centre which oversees peace operations in the Strip.The UK's training of Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank has also been terminated. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's announcement in Parliament has been branded by Israel as 'outrageous lies' as relations between the two countries hit an all-time low Concern about Israeli settlements has been mounting for years. It has intensified following Israel's recent decision to open tenders for 1,200 homes east of Jerusalem, which would divide the West BankWhile Britain retains its embassy in Tel Aviv, the closure of its East Jerusalem consulate dramatically reduces its diplomatic footprint.The development underlines the erosion of British influence in Israel – a nation where London once commanded unique soft power and political goodwill forged through decades of historic connections. There are also serious concerns that Israel could reduce its intelligence sharing with the UK in response.Israel's spy agency Mossad has thwarted countless terror attacks on British soil and the move risks undermining Britain's relationship with the organisation at a time when the threat level is 'severe'.Coming just weeks ahead of Israeli elections, Mr Sa'ar described UK policy as 'morally distorted', adding that it 'constitutes blatant interference in the affairs of a sovereign state and its electoral process'. He said: 'The move by the Labour Government in Britain is particularly absurd given that, more than a century ago, it was the Balfour Declaration of the British Government that formally recognised the historic right of the Jewish people to re-establish their national home in the Land of Israel, including in Judea and Samaria.' Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar declared that British trade sanctions 'will not go unanswered'Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid also hit out at the policy, saying it was designed to appeal to Labour's base while risking emboldening Israel's extreme Right. He said: 'The British Government's decision to impose boycotts and sanctions on Israel is a grave mistake. 'It is a wrong and dangerous policy, at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons. The decision will strengthen the extremist voices in Israel just before the Knesset elections and provide encouragement to Hamas and the terrorist organisations.'The UK co-ordinated the sanctions with France and Canada and declared they were a 'turning point' despite the Israelis' fury.In a joint statement, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French president Emmanuel Macron and Canadian leader Mark Carney said they wanted to continue their 'unwavering commitment to Israel's security'.But they said it must exist alongside a 'safe and secure Palestine'. The leaders said: 'A two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is critical for peace, stability and security in the Middle East and beyond.'It is a fundamental national interest for the UK, France and Canada to protect and secure this outcome. 'Systematic settlement expansion in the West Bank, including the Government of Israel's latest decision to progress the E1 settlement, as well as the dramatic increase in settler violence, pose a direct and urgent threat to that vision for peace.'One year ago, we recognised the State of Palestine. The time has come to take further action to uphold our commitment to protect the two-state solution, our interests and to stand up for our values, before it is too late.'The three leaders also announced they would co-chair a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly later this month.Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Poland, Portugal and Sweden have also said they will support trade restrictions. The dozen Brits banned from Israel The Israeli government has provided a full list of the 12 individuals banned from entering the country:1. Jeremy Corbyn MP2. Zarah Sultana MP3. Fahad Ansari, Director of Riverway to the Sea4. Naz Shah MP5. Diane Abbott MP6. Hannah Spencer MP7. Carla Denyer MP8. Sian Berry MP9. Ellie Chowns MP10. John McDonnell MP11. Richard Burgon MP12. Adrian Ramsay MP