UK Warns of Mass Expulsion of Israeli Diplomats Amid East Jerusalem Consulate Dispute

The United Kingdom has reportedly threatened to expel 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel follows through with plans to shut down the British consulate located in occupied East Jerusalem. According to unverified reports from Israeli media, British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters delivered this stern warning directly to Israeli officials.

The diplomatic standoff began when Israel ordered the consulate to close its doors by October 8. This directive served as retaliation for the United Kingdom's decision to implement sanctions against illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, which included an import ban.

Reports indicate that the British government warned it would retaliate by expelling one Israeli diplomat for every single one of the 27 British diplomats whose status would be revoked by the consulate's closure. Operating independently from the British Embassy in Israel, the consulate manages relations with Palestinians across East Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank, and Gaza, covering both political and consular matters.

In an effort to resolve the crisis, British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell traveled to Israel last week for undisclosed talks aimed at convincing Israeli officials to cancel the closure order, as reported by the Reuters news agency. While discussions are ongoing, the recent talks failed to yield an agreement. Meanwhile, Ynet noted that the British embassy in Israel has chosen not to comment on the reported expulsion threat.