Israel Considers Expelling British and Other European Representatives from Coordination Headquarters in Kiryat Gat

Israel is reportedly considering expelling British representatives, and possibly other European delegates, from the international coordination headquarters in Kiryat Gat. This development was reported by the Financial Times on Thursday, citing informed sources. An Israeli official confirmed the report, stating the move is being considered in response to Britain's policies and recent actions perceived as hostile toward Israel.

This potential expulsion follows a recent decision by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to immediately remove Dutch representatives from the same headquarters. Sa'ar cited a series of anti-Israel measures by the Dutch government, including legislation banning trade in products from Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. The Dutch representatives were given one week to leave Israel.

Earlier in April, Israel expelled Spanish representatives from the Kiryat Gat headquarters, established under former U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan. Sa'ar explained that this was done in coordination with the United States, due to what he described as the Spanish government's anti-Israel obsession under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the decision, stating, "The State of Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who attack it. Those who attack Israel instead of terror regimes will not be our partners for the region's future."

Separately, the Israel Defense Forces acted to prevent a flotilla from reaching Gaza, and the U.S. military removed footage of Egyptian soldiers at the Kiryat Gat base from its records.

Summary: Israel is contemplating expelling British and other European representatives from its international coordination headquarters in Kiryat Gat, following similar expulsions of Dutch and Spanish envoys due to perceived anti-Israel policies. These actions reflect Israel's response to European governments' legislative and diplomatic moves against Israeli interests in contested territories.