UK ‘threatens to expel 27 Israeli diplomats’ over Jerusalem consulate

Israel has ordered the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem by October 8, in retaliation for the UK's decision to sanction illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. In response, the United Kingdom has reportedly threatened to expel 27 Israeli diplomats if the consulate closure proceeds. According to unverified Israeli media reports, the British Ambassador to Israel conveyed this warning to Israeli officials. The consulate, which operates separately from the British Embassy, manages relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell recently traveled to Israel in an attempt to persuade officials to reverse the closure, but no agreement was reached, though discussions are ongoing.

The UK has threatened to expel Israeli diplomats if Israel proceeds with closing the UK consulate in East Jerusalem. This potential expulsion of up to 27 Israeli diplomats stems from Israel's protest against the UK's ban on goods from illegal settlements and sanctions on firms aiding settlement construction. Israel's Foreign Minister called the UK's sanctions "morally distorted." The UK's consulate, located in Sheikh Jarrah, covers East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, and its closure is seen by some as a challenge to international law regarding Jerusalem's status. This diplomatic dispute marks a significant low in British-Israeli relations, with talks to resolve the issue having failed. Israel has also threatened similar action against Dutch diplomats over their country's settlement trade ban.