UK Threatens to Expel 27 Israeli Diplomats Over Consulate Closure

A significant diplomatic escalation is looming between Israel and the United Kingdom, with London threatening to expel 27 Israeli diplomats from its embassy in London if Jerusalem does not reverse its decision to close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem. The tension heightened last month when Britain imposed economic sanctions on settlements in the West Bank. In response, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced a series of retaliatory measures, including the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, which employs 27 British diplomats and serves the Palestinian population. The Israeli decision is set to take effect this Thursday, along with the revocation of diplomatic credentials for the consulate's staff. Dozens of local employees have already been dismissed, and British diplomats are preparing to depart. Sa'ar's measures also included expelling British representatives from the International Aid Center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat, halting British training for Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank, and barring 12 British public figures and citizens from entering Israel.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that London was surprised by Israel's decision, particularly the short notice given to British diplomats to organize their departure. Israel had granted them 30 days to leave the country, a stark contrast to Russia's four-month notice to Britain for closing its consulate in St. Petersburg following a spying incident. The British response had not been officially released as of this report, as London had been attempting to influence the Israeli decision through quiet channels. However, the British Ambassador to Israel, Simon Walters, has now conveyed a message stating that if Jerusalem proceeds with its decision, Britain will expel 27 Israeli diplomats serving at its embassy in London, aiming for parity in the number of diplomats affected by the mutual actions.

Such a British move could impact the operations of the Israeli Embassy in London. While the number of diplomats stationed there exceeds 27, the difference is not substantial. Concurrently, the position of Israel's ambassador to the UK has been vacant for over a year, since Tzipi Hotovely returned to Israel in September 2025, with the embassy currently managed by Chargé d'affaires Chris Cantor.