UK Reportedly Threatens to Expel 27 Israeli Diplomats Over Jerusalem Consulate Closure

Britain has reportedly warned Israel that it could expel 27 Israeli diplomats from London if Jerusalem moves forward with plans to close the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem.

British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters conveyed the warning to Israeli officials, according to a report by Ynet. London would reportedly expel one Israeli diplomat for each of the 27 British diplomats affected by the closure. The British Embassy declined to comment publicly on the report.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar ordered the consulate to close after Britain announced sanctions targeting Israeli communities and businesses in Judea and Samaria. The British measures include a ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements and sanctions against individuals and companies London says support settlement activity. Britain considers the settlements illegal under international law, while Israel disputes that position.

The closure is scheduled to take effect on Thursday, October 8. Israel has also ordered the British diplomats working at the consulate to leave Jerusalem.

The consulate operates separately from the British Embassy in Israel. It handles Britain’s relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and Gaza, as well as consular and political affairs.

London initially tried to resolve the dispute privately. Reuters reported that British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell made an undisclosed visit to Israel last week and held talks with Israeli officials in an effort to prevent the closure.

Those discussions did not produce an agreement, although negotiations were still continuing as of Monday. Israeli officials told Reuters that the consulate would close as planned.

Sa’ar has described Britain’s sanctions as “morally distorted” and accused the British government of hostility toward Israel. Israel has also announced additional measures against Britain, including ending British participation in training Palestinian Authority security forces and barring several British officials and citizens from entering the country.

If Britain carries out the reported expulsions, Ynet said the move could significantly disrupt operations at Israel’s embassy in London because the mission employs only somewhat more than 27 diplomats.