UK Plans to Expel Israeli Diplomats After East Jerusalem Consulate Closure - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Office intends to retaliate against Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's decision to close the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem by expelling Israeli diplomats from the Israeli embassy in London.

This was stated by the British Ambassador to Israel, Simon Walters, as reported by the Israeli outlet Ynet on Monday, October 5, 2026, and cited by Antara.

The closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem affects 27 British diplomats responsible for serving the Palestinian population.

The UK plans to expel one Israeli diplomat in response to each British diplomat affected by the decision of the Israeli foreign ministry.

Relations between the UK and Israel deteriorated further in September after the UK imposed a trade ban regarding Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, citing their illegality under international law.

In response to the UK's trade ban, Sa'ar threatened to close the British consulate in East Jerusalem.

Israel also ordered British officials to leave the Gaza International Support Center in the Israeli city of Kiryat Gat.

The construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank remains a major source of contention with the international community and the Palestinian Authority.

Palestinians view this as a policy aimed at strengthening the Jewish state's grip on their territory.