UK Threatens to Expel 27 Israeli Diplomats Over Consulate Closure

A significant diplomatic escalation looms between Israel and the United Kingdom, with London threatening to expel 27 Israeli diplomats from its embassy in Tel Aviv if Jerusalem does not reverse its decision to close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem. The tension intensified last month when Britain imposed economic sanctions on settlements in the West Bank. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced retaliatory measures, including the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, which serves the Palestinian population and employs 27 British diplomats. The Israeli decision is set to take effect this Thursday, accompanied by the revocation of diplomatic credentials for the consulate's staff. Dozens of local employees have already been dismissed, and British diplomats are preparing to depart. Sa'ar's measures also included expelling British representatives from the International Aid Center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat, halting British training for Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank, and barring 12 British public figures and citizens from entering Israel. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that London was surprised by Israel's decision, particularly the short notice given to British diplomats to organize their departure. Israel had given them 30 days to leave the country, a stark contrast to Russia's four-month notice to Britain for closing its consulate in St. Petersburg following a spying incident. While Britain had initially attempted to resolve the issue through quiet channels, the British Ambassador to Israel, Simon Walters, has now conveyed a message stating that if Israel proceeds with the closure, the UK will expel 27 Israeli diplomats from its embassy in London, aiming for parity in the number of diplomats affected. This potential British action could impact the operations of the Israeli embassy in London, as the number of diplomats stationed there, while larger than 27, is not significantly greater. Notably, the position of Israel's ambassador to the UK has been vacant for over a year since Tzipi Hotoveli returned to Israel in September 2025, with the embassy currently managed by the Chargé d'Affaires.