24 Hours to Diplomatic Blowup: The Confrontation with Britain Escalates - and Israel Does Not Back Down
Israel is not backing down on the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem, and the confrontation with Britain is escalating. With 24 hours left before the ultimatum expires, negotiations continue in an attempt to prevent a severe crisis, while London considers expelling Israeli diplomats and Europe fears a precedent.
Israel is not backing down on the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem, and the confrontation with Britain is escalating. With one day left before the Israeli ultimatum expires, contacts between Jerusalem and London continue in an attempt to prevent a severe diplomatic crisis. Sources in the Foreign Ministry confirmed that the 30-day period set by Israel ends tomorrow and the deadline remains in place. London is considering a harsh response, including the expulsion of up to 27 Israeli diplomats, the number of British diplomats whose status is expected to be affected. However, sources in London downplayed the threat and described the presentation of the expulsion of all 27 diplomats as a closed matter as "exaggerated." Britain may wait until after the elections in Israel on October 27 before deciding how to respond. The British effort to prevent the closure is being led by National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, who secretly visited Israel last week and met with senior Israeli officials. After his visit to Israel, Powell continued to Jordan and met with King Abdullah. The US opposed the British sanctions that were in the background of the Israeli decision but did not ask Britain to withdraw them. In other European capitals, including France, Spain, Belgium, and Italy, there are fears that the move against the British will become a precedent that will also affect other missions. The British consulate, which has operated in East Jerusalem since 1838, is not a branch of the British embassy in Israel and reports directly to London. In the background, the legal debate continues over Israel's authority to close the consulate, with London arguing that since Britain does not recognize Israeli sovereignty in East Jerusalem, Israel has no authority to close the consulate.