The United Kingdom has issued a warning that it will expel Israeli diplomats in direct response to Israel’s decision to shut down its consulate in East Jerusalem. According to London, the number of British officials forced to leave Israel will be matched by an equivalent number of Israeli diplomats being removed from the UK.
This escalating tit-for-tat exchange could result in as many as 27 Israeli diplomats being expelled, marking what analysts describe as the lowest point in bilateral relations since the establishment of the State of Israel.
The diplomatic friction stems from deteriorating ties between the two nations, compounded by the UK’s recent ban on goods originating from illegal settlements. Israel’s move to close the consulate is expected to take effect later this week, further straining an already tense relationship.
Does anyone actually think threats like this change policy? Both sides seem locked in a spiral with no off-ramp in sight.
Tit-for-tat diplomacy always hurts regular people. I wonder if East Jerusalem residents will face even more restrictions because of this?
Twenty-seven diplomats? This is the deepest freeze in relations since 1948. A truly historic low for UK-Israel ties.