UK Threatens to Expel 27 Israeli Diplomats Over Consulate Closure

Britain is reportedly considering expelling 27 Israeli diplomats from its embassy in London if Israel proceeds with its plan to close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem. This potential move stems from escalating tensions between the two countries, particularly following Britain's imposition of economic sanctions on West Bank settlements last month.

In response to the sanctions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced retaliatory measures, including the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, which serves the Palestinian population and employs 27 British diplomats. These measures, along with the revocation of diplomatic credentials for consulate staff, are slated to take effect this Thursday. Additional actions by Israel include expelling British representatives from an aid center in Kiryat Gat, halting British training for Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank, and barring entry to Israel for 12 British public figures and citizens involved in anti-Israel or antisemitic activities.

Sources familiar with the matter expressed shock and surprise at Israel's actions, particularly the 30-day notice given to British diplomats to leave East Jerusalem. This short timeframe contrasts with Russia's four-month notice to Britain for closing its consulate in St. Petersburg during a prior spy dispute. Britain initially sought to resolve the issue through quiet diplomacy, but has now conveyed a stern message through Ambassador Simon Walters: if the consulate closure proceeds, Britain will reciprocate by expelling an equivalent number of Israeli diplomats from its London embassy.

Such a reciprocal expulsion would significantly impair the functioning of the Israeli embassy in London, which is already operating without a full-time ambassador since Tzipi Hotoveli returned to Israel in September 2025. The embassy is currently managed by Chargé d'Affaires Chris Cantor.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband recently received a standing ovation at the Labour Party conference for his strong condemnation of alleged "war crimes" in Gaza and criticism of Israeli government policy. He defended the UK's sanctions on settlements, acknowledging pressure from the British public, including a significant Muslim population, who are reportedly horrified by events in Gaza. Separately, the British Green Party conference passed a resolution labeling Zionism as a "racist ideology" and calling for a single Palestinian state, marking the Greens as a major European party openly identifying as anti-Zionist.