Israel has ordered Britain to shut its consulate in Jerusalem, and the UK is reportedly weighing expelling Israeli diplomats in reply. Right response, or risky escalation?
Israel gave the order on 8 September with a 30-day deadline, after the UK banned trade in goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli outlet Ynet reported Britain would expel one Israeli diplomat for each of the 27 British diplomats affected; Reuters sources say no action is expected before Israel's 27 October election, if at all.
What happened
On 8 September Israel ordered Britain to close its consulate in East Jerusalem within 30 days, after the UK announced sanctions including a ban on trade in goods made in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The consulate handles the UK's contact with the Palestinian government and consular help for British nationals. Israeli outlet Ynet reported that Britain has threatened to expel one Israeli diplomat for each of the 27 British diplomats affected. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell held undisclosed talks in Israel without reaching a deal.
Why people disagree
Supporters of a matching response say shutting a diplomatic mission over a policy disagreement can't go unanswered, and that reciprocal expulsions are the standard reply that deters similar moves. Opponents argue that expelling diplomats would cut channels just when the UK needs them, could hurt the Britons and Palestinians who rely on the consulate, and risks a wider rupture with a partner on security and trade.
What's still unclear
Reuters' sources say Britain still hopes for a deal and isn't expected to act until after Israel's 27 October election, if at all. It's unclear whether Israel will enforce the deadline, what happens to consular services, and how Israel would answer any expulsions.
Sources
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