LONDON, October 6, 2026 (WAFA) – Four sources stated that Britain is likely to expel Israeli diplomats if Israel proceeds with its decision to close the British consulate in East Jerusalem this week, amidst a dispute over sanctions targeting Israeli settlements.

On September 8, Israel ordered Britain to close its consulate in East Jerusalem within 30 days and withdraw its diplomats from the city, following Britain's announcement of plans to ban trade in goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The sources noted that the deadline for Britain to close the consulate expires on Thursday, a move that would affect approximately 30 British diplomats stationed there, as well as their family members.

The sources—speaking on condition of anonymity—added that if the consulate is closed, Britain would likely respond by expelling a similar number of Israeli diplomats from the Israeli embassy in the United Kingdom.

The sources did not specify how quickly Britain might react should the consulate be closed. Following Britain's announcement of the sanctions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused London of interfering in the Israeli general election scheduled for later this month. The British Foreign Office did not respond to a request for comment, while the Israeli Foreign Ministry declined to comment; an Israeli official stated that any action targeting Israel would be met with a response.

K.T