Britain Considers Expelling Israeli Diplomats If It Closes Its Consulate in Jerusalem

London - Afaq News - Britain is considering expelling Israeli diplomats if Israel carries out the decision to close the British consulate in East Jerusalem this week, in light of sanctions targeting settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Sources indicated that the deadline for Britain to close the consulate ends on Thursday, which will affect about 30 British diplomats working there, along with their family members.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Britain is considering expelling Israeli diplomats from the Israeli embassy in London in response to the consulate closure.

Expelling diplomats between allies would be highly unusual. Britain and Israel have a close partnership in economic, security, and intelligence fields despite the current tensions.

A fifth source, who also requested anonymity, said that Britain is holding onto hope for an agreement to prevent the consulate's closure. The source added that if it is closed, London is not expected to take any action before the conclusion of the Israeli elections scheduled for October 27, if that happens at all.

Israel ordered Britain on September 8 to close its consulate in East Jerusalem within 30 days and withdraw its diplomats from the city, after London announced it would impose a ban on the trade of goods made in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The British consulate, located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, manages the country's relations with Palestinians in the city as well as in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It also provides consular services to Palestinians.

The consulate has been in Jerusalem for nearly 200 years, long before the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.

Britain, which recognized the State of Palestine last year, pointed to Israeli government projects that support the expansion of settlements and the increasing attacks by settlers targeting Palestinians in the West Bank. The British sanctions are set to take effect next year.