UK Reportedly Warns 27-for-27 Diplomatic Retaliation After Powell's Israel Talks Fail

Britain has reportedly warned Israel that it could expel 27 Israeli diplomats from London if Israel goes ahead with plans to close the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem, in a potential 27-for-27 diplomatic retaliation.

The reported warning was conveyed after UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell travelled to Israel last week in an attempt to persuade officials to reverse or delay the closure. Reuters reported that the talks failed to produce an agreement to keep the consulate open, although discussions are continuing.

Israel has ordered the consulate to cease operations by 8 October after Britain imposed measures targeting goods and services linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Powell's Talks Fail to Stop Closure

The reported expulsion warning was conveyed to Israeli officials by British Ambassador Simon Walters, according to Ynet. The British Embassy has declined to comment.

The Jerusalem Post, citing two sources familiar with the matter, reported that Britain warned it would expel 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel closes the consulate. The proposed response would match the 27 British diplomats whose diplomatic status would be revoked.

The Israeli Embassy in London has more than 27 diplomatic staff, meaning the expulsions could significantly reduce its diplomatic capacity.

The British consulate operates separately from the UK's embassy in Tel Aviv and handles Britain's political, economic, security and consular affairs relating to Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced the closure on 8 September, describing it as a response to Britain's measures targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The order gives British diplomats 30 days to leave.

Israel Warns of Further Response

Israeli officials have not publicly confirmed what action they would take if Britain expelled its diplomats.

In comments reported by Israeli media, diplomatic officials said there was 'no reason' to respond to speculation about decisions other countries might make, while warning that previous measures against Israel had been met with a response.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised the government's handling of the dispute, saying that 'creating crises is not a policy' and arguing that the measures could leave Israel's embassy in London unable to operate normally.

The reported expulsion plan comes as Israel's deadline for closing the consulate approaches. Reuters said Powell's visit did not secure an agreement, but diplomatic contacts remain ongoing.

Legal Dispute Over Consulate Closure

The dispute forms part of a wider deterioration in UK-Israel relations over settlement policy. Britain has said its measures were prompted by settlement expansion and rising settler violence in the West Bank, arguing that these developments undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

The legality of Israel's decision has also been challenged. Former UK attorney general Dominic Grieve advised the Foreign Office that Israel did not have the legal right to close the mission because it is located in East Jerusalem, which Britain regards as occupied Palestinian territory. Foreign Office minister Lord Wood said Grieve 'may have a point', while warning that Israel could nevertheless make the consulate inoperable.

The reported 27-for-27 retaliation has not been publicly confirmed by the UK government. If carried out, it would represent a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between Britain and Israel.

With the 8 October deadline approaching, the immediate question is whether further talks can prevent the consulate's closure or trigger the reported reciprocal expulsions.