Israel to retaliate against France, close UK consulate

Israel said it will take retaliatory steps against France and close the United Kingdom's consulate in Jerusalem after sanctions, officials said.

Sa'ar ordered CMCC personnel removal

Officials said the announcement follows recent sanctions and comes less than a day after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar ordered the immediate removal of UK personnel from the CMCC headquarters in Kiryat Gat. The ministry did not publish a full list of planned measures, officials said.

Officials said the measures are being framed as reciprocal diplomatic steps and could include restrictions on official visits and additional expulsions, though they stopped short of detailing operational changes. Diplomatic channels between Israel and the two governments remained open, officials said, even as both sides reassess bilateral cooperation.

Officials said the moves aim to signal a proportional response to the sanctions and to reset leverage in talks with European partners. They added that economic ties were not the focus of the initial measures and that military coordination at specific sites would be reviewed.

Officials said further steps will be announced within 48 hours, and they urged partner nations to expect additional diplomatic communications in the near term.