UK to expel 27 Israeli diplomats if east Jerusalem consulate closed, British diplomats expelled
Senior British officials have made it clear to Israel that if the British Consulate in East Jerusalem is closed and British diplomats are expelled, the UK will respond by expelling 27 Israeli diplomats, along with their families, two sources familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post on Monday.
The consulate is expected to close on October 8, following an order issued by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
The move reportedly follows Britain's economic sanctions on the West Bank.
There is no reason for us to address speculation regarding decisions other countries might make in the future, diplomatic sources told the Post.
"We have already demonstrated that any move against Israel will be met with an appropriate response, and this will continue to be the case in the future," the sources added.
In addition, Britain's top national security official quietly visited Israel last week in a bid to prevent the closure of the consulate, three sources told Reuters.
UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, whose visit Britain's government has not disclosed, held talks with Israeli officials but failed to reach an agreement to keep the consulate open, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
In announcing the sanctions, Britain said that Israel's actions were undermining the possibility of a two-state solution, the idea of a Palestinian state co-existing peacefully alongside Israel. Israel has rejected the idea of Palestinian statehood.
Britain cited Israeli government-backed plans to expand settlements and rising extremist settler attacks targeting Palestinians in the West Bank. The British sanctions are to take effect next year.
The British consulate, located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, handles the country's relations with Palestinians in the city as well as in the West Bank and Gaza. It also provides consular services to Palestinians.
Sa'ar has said that Britain's decision to impose sanctions was "morally distorted," accusing Britain's ruling Labour Party of being hostile towards the country, and of interfering in Israel's upcoming general election on October 27.
The consulate is expected to close on October 8, following an order issued by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
The move reportedly follows Britain's economic sanctions on the West Bank.
There is no reason for us to address speculation regarding decisions other countries might make in the future, diplomatic sources told the Post.
"We have already demonstrated that any move against Israel will be met with an appropriate response, and this will continue to be the case in the future," the sources added.
In addition, Britain's top national security official quietly visited Israel last week in a bid to prevent the closure of the consulate, three sources told Reuters.
UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, whose visit Britain's government has not disclosed, held talks with Israeli officials but failed to reach an agreement to keep the consulate open, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
In announcing the sanctions, Britain said that Israel's actions were undermining the possibility of a two-state solution, the idea of a Palestinian state co-existing peacefully alongside Israel. Israel has rejected the idea of Palestinian statehood.
Britain cited Israeli government-backed plans to expand settlements and rising extremist settler attacks targeting Palestinians in the West Bank. The British sanctions are to take effect next year.
The British consulate, located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, handles the country's relations with Palestinians in the city as well as in the West Bank and Gaza. It also provides consular services to Palestinians.
Sa'ar has said that Britain's decision to impose sanctions was "morally distorted," accusing Britain's ruling Labour Party of being hostile towards the country, and of interfering in Israel's upcoming general election on October 27.
