Israeli embassies and consulates shut down; diplomats on strike

Services provided to Israeli nationals and foreigners at various Israeli embassies and consulates have been suspended until further notice as diplomats go on strike.

All Israeli embassies and consulates around the world shut down on Wednesday after diplomats and military attachés announced a strike in a long-simmering dispute with the Finance Ministry over stipends paid them.

The closure came into effect immediately.

“Due to the decision of the Israeli Ministry of Finance to breach understandings that were agreed upon and signed by the Director General of the Ministry of Finance on July 21, 2019, and to apply a one-sided procedure that alters a protocol that has been in place for several decades, we are forced to close the Embassy,” said statements posted on various mission websites.

“No consular services will be provided and no one will be allowed to enter the Embassy/Consulate,” the statement said.

The dispute is over expense stipends paid to Israeli diplomats and Defense Ministry envoys stationed abroad that are meant to cover a wide array of expenses, from hosting events at an ambassador’s residence to transport costs.