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UK says it will expel Israeli diplomats, families in response to Gideon Sa'ar order
The Jerusalem Post • • world
Key Points:
- Senior British officials have warned Israel that closing the British Consulate in East Jerusalem and expelling British diplomats would lead to the UK expelling 27 Israeli diplomats and their families in response.
- The consulate is expected to close on October 8, following an order from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, reportedly in reaction to Britain's economic sanctions on the West Bank.
- UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell recently visited Israel in an effort to prevent the consulate's closure but was unsuccessful in reaching an agreement.
- Britain justified its sanctions by stating that Israeli actions, including settlement expansion and settler attacks, undermine the prospects for a two-state solution, which Israel rejects.
- The British consulate in Sheikh Jarrah manages relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, and provides consular services to Palestinians.
