Britain is considering expelling Israeli diplomats if Israel closes its consulate in East Jerusalem, Reuters reported on October 6, citing four sources. The BBC said London was making a final diplomatic effort to keep the mission open before the Thursday deadline.
Israel ordered the closure on September 8 after Britain announced sanctions targeting settlements in the occupied West Bank. The BBC reported that British measures would ban settlement goods and target companies and individuals supporting settlement expansion. The mission is separate from the British embassy in Tel Aviv.
The consulate represents the UK in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, according to its official government website. Its listed address is in Sheikh Jarrah. The BBC dates its establishment to 1838, underscoring the long history of a mission now facing an order to end its work in the city.
Reuters sources said the closure would affect around 30 British diplomats and their families. Both foreign ministries declined to comment to Reuters, while an Israeli official said action against Israel would draw a response. The BBC also reported that the Foreign Office declined to discuss speculation and ongoing talks.
National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell visited Israel last week in an unsuccessful effort to secure an agreement, Reuters reported. The BBC separately described his visit and the absence of an apparent deal. Reuters sources said Britain had also asked European countries to raise the matter with Israel.
A further Reuters source said London still hoped to avert closure and, if it happened, was not expected to act before Israel’s October 27 election, if at all. The reports therefore describe possible expulsions, rather than a completed decision. The immediate question is whether diplomacy can preserve the consulate before October 8.
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