UK-Israel consulate dispute raises prospect of diplomatic expulsions
Israeli media reports say Britain warned it could expel 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel closes the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem by 8 October. The reported threat remains unconfirmed.
The United Kingdom has reportedly warned Israel it could expel 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel closes the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem by 8 October. The claim, reported by Al Jazeera citing Israeli outlet Ynet, has not been confirmed by the UK government.
Ynet reported that British Ambassador Simon Walters conveyed the warning to Israeli officials. The UK embassy declined to comment on the reported threat, according to Ynet.
Israel ordered the consulate closed after Britain imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including a ban on imports. The reported British response would match the 27 British diplomats whose status at the consulate would end if it shut.
The consulate operates separately from the British Embassy and handles British relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, including political and consular affairs.
UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell travelled to Israel last week to seek a reversal of the closure, Reuters reported. The talks did not produce an agreement, though discussions are continuing. It remains unclear whether the closure will proceed by the stated deadline.
