UK Threatens to Expel 27 Israeli Diplomats if Jerusalem Consulate Closed

London is reportedly preparing to expel dozens of Israeli diplomats if its consulate in East Jerusalem is shut down, following failed bilateral talks.

The United Kingdom is set to expel 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel closes the British consulate in East Jerusalem and expels British diplomats, The Jerusalem Post and Global Banking & Finance reported.

According to the reports, UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell held discussions with Israeli officials, but the sides failed to reach an agreement to keep the diplomatic mission open, Reuters cited sources familiar with the matter as saying.

The dispute comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries over the fate of the diplomatic mission and mutual threats of sanctions. Further details regarding the negotiations have not yet been released.