Israel Families of Diplomatic Staff Flown Home While Other Britons Advised to Stay

The UK government has removed families of Foreign Office officials from Israel over security concerns but is continuing to advise British nationals to remain and follow local guidance – prompting questions over whether the approaches are consistent.

- Aletha Adu

While dependants of diplomatic staff were flown out as a "precautionary measure", with staff remaining at the embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem, British nationals in Israel are being urged to register their presence online with the Foreign Office, remain close to shelters where advised, and make individual decisions based on their circumstances.

The disparity in approach has prompted a growing sense of unfairness. It is understood that the department believes the two positions are consistent, citing a distinct duty of care to diplomatic staff.

The decision to remove family members was based on the view that they are non-essential and more exposed to movement-related risks.