Britain threatens to expel 27 Israeli diplomats as Israel moves to close Jerusalem consulate

Britain has threatened to expel 27 Israeli diplomats from Israel’s embassy in London if Israel proceeds with its decision to close the British consulate in East Jerusalem, according to reports on Monday.

Reuters, citing three informed sources, reported that British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell held talks with Israeli officials during an unannounced visit to Israel last week in an effort to keep the consulate open. The discussions did not result in an agreement.

Two of the sources said contacts were continuing and that an agreement remained possible, although they considered it unlikely that one would be reached before the consulate’s scheduled closure on Thursday.

Separately, Israeli news website Ynet reported that London, through British Ambassador Simon Walters, had informed Israeli officials that it would expel 27 Israeli diplomats if the decision to close the consulate was not reversed.

According to the report, the number corresponds to the British diplomats whose work in East Jerusalem Israel intends to terminate. Ynet said such a move could significantly affect the operations of the Israeli embassy in London, which has slightly more than 27 diplomats.

The Israeli embassy has been without an ambassador since Tzipi Hotovely returned to Israel in September 2025 and is currently headed by Chargé d’Affaires Chris Cantor, according to the report.

The British embassy declined to comment, while the British government did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment regarding Powell’s visit and the continuing discussions.

A spokesperson for Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, meanwhile, said the British consulate would close on Thursday as previously announced.