The United Kingdom has threatened to expel 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel goes ahead with its decision to close the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli media have reported.
Ynet reported on Monday that British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters conveyed the warning to Israeli officials, with London considering the expulsion of one Israeli diplomat for every British diplomat affected by the consulate closure.
The British consulate in East Jerusalem is currently staffed by 27 British diplomats and is expected to close on Thursday, October 8, following an order by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
The closure was ordered after Britain announced measures targeting goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, as well as sanctions against individuals and companies linked to settlement activity.
Britain has said Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank were undermining prospects for a two-state solution. Israel has rejected Britain’s position and criticised the measures.
The reported British response could significantly affect the operations of Israel’s embassy in London, with the Israeli diplomatic mission currently employing only slightly more than 27 diplomats, according to Ynet.
The reported threat comes as British and Israeli officials continue efforts to prevent the consulate’s closure.
Britain’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell visited Israel last week and held talks with Israeli officials, but the discussions have so far failed to produce an agreement to keep the consulate open.
The British government has not confirmed the planned expulsions, while Israeli officials have also not publicly confirmed the report.
The dispute has further strained relations between the two countries, with Israel’s decision to close the consulate and Britain’s measures over Israeli settlements escalating the diplomatic tensions.
