UK Threatens to Expel 27 Israeli Diplomats Over Consulate Closure

Senior British officials have warned Israel that if the British Consulate in East Jerusalem is closed and its diplomats expelled, London will retaliate by expelling 27 Israeli diplomats along with their families. This information was conveyed to i24NEWS by two sources familiar with the matter on Monday.

The closure of the consulate is reportedly scheduled for October 8, following an order from Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. This action is a response to economic sanctions imposed by Britain on individuals in the West Bank. Last month, Britain and France announced a series of sanctions against Israel.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband stated that the UK government has banned imports from settlements in the West Bank and will fully enforce sanctions against those financing them, while also outlawing the advertising of land sales in the area. Miliband emphasized that the "occupation" of the West Bank is illegal.

In his remarks, Miliband also noted that the British government agrees that ethnic cleansing is occurring in the West Bank due to settler violence, citing former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on the issue. Miliband claimed that over 4,000 Palestinians have been expelled from their land, accusing the Israeli government of turning a blind eye. He further warned that the E1 plan and actions by Minister Smotrich severely undermine the two-state solution.