Israel Expels 20 UK Diplomats, Downgrades East Jerusalem Consulate Over Settler Sanctions
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 8
Israel Expels 20 UK Diplomats, Downgrades East Jerusalem Consulate Over Settler Sanctions
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 8
Summary
Israel on Thursday downgraded Britain’s 188-year-old East Jerusalem consulate to a smaller “UK Mission,” expelling 20 diplomats but stopping short of a full closure.
The move was retaliation for British sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, after Israel had ordered the consulate shut last month.
Ed Miliband said the mission would remain independent and operational, continuing services for Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza with reduced staff.
Last-minute negotiations eased what could have become a sharper diplomatic clash, with reports Britain had considered expelling Israeli officials from London in response.
The dispute reflects a broader rupture with Britain’s Labour government, which has condemned Israel’s Gaza campaign, sanctioned settlers and recognized a Palestinian state.