Israel-UK Diplomatic Row Escalates Over Consulate Closure

A diplomatic dispute between Israel and the United Kingdom has intensified following Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's decision to close the British consulate in East Jerusalem. In response, Britain has threatened to expel 27 Israeli diplomats from its embassy in London. The deadline for the consulate's closure and the departure of its staff is October 8.

British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walter informed the Israeli Foreign Ministry that if Saar does not reverse his decision, London will retaliate with a reciprocal measure: expelling 27 Israeli diplomats. This action is a direct response to Israel's decision to shut down the British consulate.

Saar announced the decision on September 8, citing British sanctions against Israeli settlements as the reason. Israel's measures also include withdrawing British representatives from an international center in Kiryat Gat, barring twelve British politicians and activists from entering Israel, and halting the operations of a British group in Ramallah that was training Palestinian Authority security personnel. These British instructors are part of the European Union's EUPOL COPPS mission, which trains Palestinian police officers, a force that cooperates with Israeli security services and was established at Israel's request with EU funding.

According to The New York Times, citing British diplomatic sources, the immediate trigger for the sanctions was a phone call between the British Foreign Secretary and Saar. During the call, Saar reportedly assured the British side that Israel would not issue tenders for construction in the E1 area, a promise that Israel allegedly did not keep.

London is reportedly displeased with the 30-day timeframe Saar imposed for the consulate's closure and staff departure, which expires on October 8. British sources told Ynet that even Russian President Vladimir Putin did not act with such haste when closing the British consulate in St. Petersburg, granting four months for families to prepare. Reuters reported that Britain attempted to de-escalate the situation, with National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell making a secret visit to Israel last week to request a postponement or cancellation of the closure, but to no avail. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing, though a resolution before the October 8 deadline appears unlikely.