Britain is temporarily withdrawing the family members of staff who work at the country’s embassy and consulate in Israel because of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
“Family members of staff at the British embassy in Tel Aviv and the British consulate in Jerusalem have been temporarily withdrawn as a precautionary measure,” Britain’s foreign office said on its travel advice page for Israel.
“The embassy and consulate continues with essential work including services to British nationals,” it added.
Over the weekend the Foreign Office warned Britons not to travel to Israel because of the intensifying conflict, but added there was were no plans to repatriate citizens stuck in Israel following the closure of Tel Aviv’s airport and the mass diversion and cancellation of flights
“Iran has launched multiple rounds of missile and drone attacks against Israel. On 13 June, a nationwide state of emergency was declared in Israel. This followed Israeli strikes against nuclear and military facilities in Iran. Israeli airspace remains closed.
“We recognise this is a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks. The situation has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. The current situation has disrupted air links out of the country and may disrupt road links.”
Earlier this week the Independent highlighted the case of 15-year-old Bella Baker, stranded in a hotel in the northern Israeli port of Haifa, where on Monday 30 people were injured in a dawn missile attack on the city.
On Tuesday Keir Starmer urged British nationals in Israel to register their presence there as countries step up efforts to bring back stranded citizens.
Foreign Office teams are understood to be working at the Jordanian border, to help people crossing by land from Israel, with both support and reassurance.
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