The United Kingdom has reportedly threatened to expel 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel proceeds with its plan to close the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem.
According to Israeli media reports cited by Al Jazeera, British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters conveyed the warning to Israeli officials. Israel has ordered the consulate to close by October 8 in retaliation for Britain’s sanctions against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The Ynet news outlet reported that Britain could expel one Israeli diplomat for each of the 27 British diplomats whose diplomatic status at the consulate would be terminated if the facility is closed.
The British government imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including restrictions on imports, following concerns over violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
The British consulate in East Jerusalem operates separately from the British Embassy in Israel. It is responsible for Britain’s relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, including political and consular affairs.
Britain’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, reportedly travelled to Israel last week in an effort to persuade Israeli officials to reverse the closure decision. Reuters reported that the discussions did not result in an agreement, although negotiations are continuing.
The British Embassy in Israel has declined to comment on the reported threat.
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