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Britain’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell held talks with Israeli officials but failed to reach an agreement to keep the UK consulate open in east Jerusalem, according to Reuters sources. The failed diplomatic mission represents a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.

According to Ynet’s reporting, if Israel proceeds with closing the consulate, Britain will expel 27 diplomats from its London embassy in retaliation. Israeli political sources responded strongly to the threat, stating: ‘Every step taken against us will be answered appropriately.’

The dispute centres on Israel’s decision to close the British consulate in east Jerusalem, which serves as Britain’s diplomatic mission to the Palestinian territories. Powell’s visit and subsequent failure to negotiate a reversal of the closure marks a rare public diplomatic confrontation between the two historically close allies.

Israeli officials have signalled they will not back down, with government sources indicating the closure will proceed as planned. The expulsion of diplomats would represent one of the most serious diplomatic ruptures between Israel and the UK in recent years.

Sources: Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Jerusalem Post, Ynet, Times of Israel

Update 02:15: Story covered by multiple sources (Ynet, Jerusalem Post) with consistent reporting

Update 03:15: UK threatens to expel 27 Israeli diplomats from British territory if Israel closes its consulate in East Jerusalem, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

Update 04:45: The UK has threatened to expel 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel closes its east Jerusalem consulate, after UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell failed to negotiate keeping it open.

Update 05:45: UK threatens to expel 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel closes its consulate in East Jerusalem