UK Considers Expelling 27 Israeli Diplomats Over Consulate Closure

Britain is reportedly considering expelling 27 Israeli diplomats from its embassy in London in response to Israel's decision to close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem. The move by the UK, which was revealed by Ynet, comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

Israeli officials stated that "any step against Israel will be met appropriately, and so it will be in the future," in response to the potential expulsion. The British message regarding the diplomats was conveyed to Israeli officials following the UK's decision to impose economic sanctions on settlements in the West Bank. In retaliation, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced measures including the closure of the consulate, which serves the Palestinian population and employs 27 British diplomats.

Jonathan Powell, Britain's National Security Advisor, visited Jerusalem last week in an attempt to persuade the Israeli government to reverse its decision on the consulate closure, but the talks failed. Powell had opposed the British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's decision to proceed with a ban on trade with settlements, fearing it could benefit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in upcoming elections.

The closure of the British Consulate and the revocation of its employees' diplomatic credentials are set to take effect this Thursday. Consequently, dozens of local staff have been dismissed, and British diplomats are preparing to depart. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the British were particularly angered by the short notice given to their diplomats, 30 days to leave Israel, contrasting with Russia's four-month notice to the UK for closing its consulate in St. Petersburg.

While Britain had not publicly announced its response, believing behind-the-scenes negotiations would succeed, it has now conveyed to Israel via Ambassador Simon Walters that if the consulate closure proceeds, it will expel 27 Israeli diplomats from its London embassy. This would mean one Israeli diplomat expelled for each British diplomat whose activity in East Jerusalem has ceased, potentially severely impacting the Israeli embassy's operations. The Israeli embassy's ambassador post has been vacant since September 2025, with Chris Cantor currently serving as Chargé d'affaires.

Opposition Chairman Yair Lapid criticized the potential Israeli actions, stating, "Creating crises is not policy. Arguing with the whole world is not policy. The meaning of this event is to close Israel's embassy in London. How exactly does this benefit the State of Israel?"