By Alexander Cornwell
TEL AVIV, Oct 5 (Reuters) – Britain’s top national security official quietly visited Israel last week in a bid to prevent the closure of his country’s consulate in East Jerusalem which was ordered by Israel after London announced sanctions on Israeli settlements, three sources said.
National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, whose visit has not been disclosed by Britain’s government, held talks with Israeli officials but failed to reach an agreement to keep the consulate open, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.