Four sources said Britain could expel Israeli diplomats from the Israeli Embassy in London if Israel proceeds with plans to close the British Consulate in East Jerusalem this week, further escalating tensions between the two countries over sanctions linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, Voice of Emirates reported.
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On September 8, Israel ordered Britain to close its consulate in East Jerusalem within 30 days and withdraw its diplomats from the city, following London’s announcement of a ban on trade in goods produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The deadline expires on Thursday, affecting approximately 30 British diplomats working at the consulate and their family members.
According to sources, the closure of the consulate could prompt Britain to expel a similar number of Israeli diplomats working at the Israeli embassy in the United Kingdom, though the timing of any potential British move remains unclear.
