UK Threatens to Expel 27 Israeli Diplomats Over Consulate Closure

The United Kingdom has warned Israel that it will expel 27 Israeli diplomats from London if Israel does not reverse its decision to close the British consulate in East Jerusalem. British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters informed the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs of this potential scenario, according to Ynet. This threat is intended as a reciprocal measure, as the British consulate in Jerusalem employs 27 British diplomats, and London could expel the same number of Israeli diplomatic staff.

The decision to close the consulate was made by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar following the UK's imposition of economic sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The closure of the consulate and the revocation of its employees' diplomatic credentials are set to take effect this coming Thursday.

Previously, in response to the sanctions, Israel announced it would bar British representatives from working at the International Aid Center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat and prohibit UK specialists from training Palestinian Authority security forces, among other measures. Ynet reports that the British side was particularly angered by the short 30-day notice given to its diplomats to leave.

London had not publicly announced potential retaliatory measures, hoping to achieve the reversal of Israel's decision through behind-the-scenes negotiations. However, the British have now issued a warning through their ambassador: if Jerusalem does not back down, the UK may expel 27 Israeli diplomats. The British Embassy has officially declined to comment on the information.