Israel Considers Expelling European Diplomats Over Anti-Israel Actions

The Israeli government is contemplating expelling diplomats from Britain and possibly other European countries from the International Gaza Support Center in Kiryat Gat. This move is a response to increasing anti-Israel measures, including boycott threats and harsh criticism of construction in Judea and Samaria. The center, formerly known as the Civil-Military Coordination Center, operates under U.S. leadership with Israeli Defense Forces cooperation and involves personnel from around 50 countries and international organizations.

This consideration follows Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's recent decision to expel Dutch representatives after the Netherlands announced a boycott of Israeli products from Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. Earlier, Spanish diplomats were also expelled due to what Israel described as obsessive anti-Israel bias. Sa'ar emphasized that Israel will not tolerate actions against its sovereignty without response.

Tensions with Britain have escalated amid potential British bans on trade with Judea and Samaria and pressure against settlement expansion. Britain, Germany, and Italy joined nearly 20 other countries and the European Commission in opposing construction in the E1 area near Jerusalem. After British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband criticized Israel, Sa'ar retorted that Britain has no right to dictate where the Jewish people may live in their historic homeland.

According to sources, expelling additional diplomats might require approval from the U.S.-led "Peace Council," established under former President Donald Trump as part of the Gaza future plan. However, other officials assert Israel's sovereign right to decide who may enter and remain on its territory. While Israel maintains good relations with Germany and Italy, Italian officials have dismissed the possibility of expelling their diplomats.

Meanwhile, efforts to advance a new arrangement in Gaza continue to face Hamas's refusal to disarm. International attempts to break the deadlock have so far failed, with Israel maintaining its security demands and countering threats from Gaza amid growing political pressure from European countries.