UK threatens to expel 27 Israeli diplomats over Jerusalem consulate closure
The UK warned Israel it will expel 27 diplomats in response to the decision to close the British consulate in East Jerusalem.
Reciprocal expulsion threat details
British officials stated they would remove one Israeli diplomat for every British staff member forced to leave Israel. This reciprocal action could result in the departure of up to 27 Israeli personnel from London. The Foreign Office declined to comment directly on reports of this specific retaliation plan.
Reasons for diplomatic row
Israel announced the closure as a protest against UK sanctions on goods from illegal settlements in the West Bank. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar described the British trade ban as morally distorted and accused the Labour party of hostility. The consulate shutdown is scheduled to take effect later this week after Israel revoked diplomatic credentials.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- The Guardian
- Middle East Eye
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.