According to unverified reports in the Israeli media, the United Kingdom has threatened to expel 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel carries out its plan to close the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem.
Ynet reported on Monday that Britain's ambassador to Israel, Simon Walters, conveyed the warning to Israeli officials. Israel had earlier ordered the consulate closed before October 8, a move seen as retaliation for Britain's decision to impose sanctions on illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
According to the report, the British government threatened to expel one Israeli diplomat for each of the 27 British diplomats with diplomatic status at the consulate who would lose their accreditation if the mission is closed.
Israel ordered the consulate shut after Britain imposed sanctions targeting illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including an import ban.
The consulate operates separately from the British embassy in Israel and handles relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, covering political and consular matters.
Reuters reported on Monday that Britain's National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, traveled to Israel last week in an undisclosed effort to persuade Israeli officials to reverse the closure decision. The talks did not reach an agreement, though discussions are continuing.
According to Ynet, the British embassy in Israel declined to comment on the reported expulsion threat.
