UK-Israel Rift Deepens As Security Adviser Fails To Avert Consulate Closure
Britain's national security adviser Jonathan Powell failed last week to stop Israel's ordered closure of Britain's consulate in East Jerusalem, raising the prospect of reciprocal diplomatic expulsions.[1]
Powell warned Israeli officials that Britain might expel some Israeli embassy staff in London if the consulate was shut.[1] He also delivered a similar warning to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during talks in Ramallah.[1] Powell left Israel without an agreement and later met Jordan's King Abdullah II, while Israel has not accepted his suggestions to avoid the closure.[1]
Israel ordered the consulate closed after the UK imposed sanctions on West Bank settlements.[1] The sanctions and the closure have escalated a diplomatic row that could affect about 30 British diplomats and deepen tensions across the region.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Last week (week of Sept. 27–Oct. 3, 2026), UK national security adviser Jonathan Powell traveled to Israel to discuss the fate of Britain’s consulate in East Jerusalem.
- Israel ordered the consulate closed after the UK imposed sanctions on West Bank settlements, potentially affecting about 30 British diplomats.
- Powell warned Israeli officials that Britain might expel some Israeli embassy staff in London if the consulate is shut, and delivered a similar warning to Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.
- Powell left Israel without an agreement and later met Jordan’s King Abdullah II, while Israel has not accepted his suggestions to avoid closure.
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