Britain has reportedly warned Israel that it could expel 27 Israeli diplomats from London if Israel proceeds with its decision to close the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem.
The reported warning comes ahead of Thursday, October 8, when Israel’s deadline for the closure of the consulate is expected to expire. Israeli media, citing sources familiar with the discussions, reported that the message was delivered to Israeli officials by Britain’s ambassador to Israel, Simon Walters.
According to the reports, the number of Israeli diplomats facing possible expulsion corresponds to the 27 British diplomats whose diplomatic status would reportedly be affected by the closure. Their families could also be required to leave Britain. The British government has not publicly confirmed the reported threat.
The dispute dates back to September, when Britain announced measures targeting Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank. The measures included restrictions on imports from settlements and sanctions against individuals linked to settlement activity.
Israel responded by ordering the British consulate in East Jerusalem to shut within 30 days. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Britain of interfering in Israel’s affairs and strongly criticised London’s position.
Britain has since made efforts to prevent the consulate from being closed. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell reportedly travelled to Israel last week for discussions with Israeli officials, but the talks failed to produce an agreement, according to Reuters.
The consulate, which dates back to 1838, plays an important role in Britain’s engagement with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. It operates independently of the British Embassy in Tel Aviv and provides both political and consular services.
The reported diplomatic retaliation would mark a serious escalation in relations between the two countries. Israel has already taken similar measures against diplomats from other European countries amid growing disagreements over settlement policy.
However, neither London nor Tel Aviv has officially confirmed that the reported expulsions will take place.
With Thursday’s deadline approaching, attention is now focused on whether Britain and Israel can reach an agreement to prevent the dispute from developing into a major reduction in diplomatic representation between the two countries.
