UK Threatens to Expel Israeli Diplomats Over Consulate Closure

Britain is considering expelling 27 Israeli diplomats from its embassy in London if Israel does not reverse Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's decision to close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem. The message was conveyed by British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walter to Israeli officials. This diplomatic escalation follows Britain's decision last month to impose economic sanctions on settlements in the West Bank. In response to the sanctions, Sa'ar announced the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem and the revocation of its employees' diplomatic credentials. The closure is slated to take effect on Thursday.