UK Threatens to Expel Israeli Diplomats Over Consulate Closure

Britain is reportedly considering expelling 27 Israeli diplomats from its embassy in London if Israel does not reverse its decision to close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem. The potential move, which could significantly escalate tensions between the two countries, comes after the UK imposed economic sanctions on West Bank settlements last month. In response to the sanctions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced retaliatory measures, including the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, which serves Palestinians and employs 27 British diplomats. The consulate's closure is slated to take effect this Thursday. London has allegedly conveyed its threat to Jerusalem, stating that expelling 27 British diplomats would be met with the expulsion of 27 Israeli diplomats. The British reportedly did not make this threat public, apparently hoping for a behind-the-scenes resolution, but conveyed the warning through unofficial channels. Such a move would severely impact the Israeli embassy in London, which has been operating without a permanent ambassador since Tzipi Hotovely's term ended over a year ago. The diplomatic dispute occurs amidst broader strains between Israel and many European nations since October 7th, with political rhetoric increasingly becoming a point of contention. Earlier, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described "war crimes" in Gaza and defended the UK's ban on trade with West Bank settlements. Additionally, the British Green Party recently passed a resolution labeling Zionism a "racist ideology" and calling for a Palestinian state from the river to the sea, effectively advocating for the elimination of Israel.