The United Kingdom has warned Israel that it could expel 27 Israeli diplomats from its London embassy if Tel Aviv proceeds with plans to shut down the British Consulate General in occupied East Jerusalem.
The warning, reportedly delivered by British Ambassador Simon Walters to Israeli officials, marks a further deterioration in relations between the two countries, amid growing disagreements over Israel’s policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Settlement dispute
The latest diplomatic standoff follows Britain’s decision last month to ban trade in goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The measure came after Israel announced plans to build about 1,200 new homes in the territory, drawing renewed international criticism over settlement expansion.
The United Kingdom has maintained that Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal under international law and has repeatedly opposed measures that could further entrench Israeli control over the occupied territories.
Consular retaliation
In response to Britain’s trade restrictions, Israeli authorities announced plans to close the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem, which has long served as an important diplomatic and consular link between the United Kingdom and Palestinians living in the occupied city.
The proposed closure could disrupt essential consular services and further limit Britain’s diplomatic engagement with Palestinians in East Jerusalem.
London, however, continues to regard East Jerusalem as occupied territory and has maintained its opposition to Israeli settlement expansion in both the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The latest dispute adds to mounting tensions between Britain and Israel and underscores the widening diplomatic divide over the future of the occupied Palestinian territories.
