UK Threatens to Expel Israeli Diplomats Over Consulate Closure

A diplomatic crisis between Israel and the United Kingdom is escalating, with London reportedly threatening to expel Israeli diplomats if Israel proceeds with closing the British Consulate in East Jerusalem. The decision to close the consulate, made by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, is slated for Thursday, October 8th. The dispute began when Britain announced economic sanctions targeting settlements in the West Bank. In response, Saar ordered the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem and the cessation of activities for diplomats stationed there. British officials are now reportedly considering retaliatory measures, potentially expelling a similar number of Israeli diplomats serving at the Israeli embassy in Britain, which Israeli reports claim to be 27. Britain's National Security Advisor, Jonathan Powell, visited Israel last week in an attempt to prevent or postpone the consulate's closure, but no agreement was reached. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has stated that there is currently no change to the decision, and the consulate is expected to close as scheduled. Israeli officials have indicated that any action taken against Israel will be met with a proportional response.