VIA – NEWSWEEK

Israeli embassies and consulates have shut down because of a strike by diplomats and military attaches over expense stipends, according to The Times of Israel. The closures happened after Israel’s Ministry of Finance said it would make envoys pay back money they had already been reimbursed for expenses.

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

“Israeli diplomats are committed at all times to strive to enhance Israel’s strength and resilience,” the statement continued. “Unfortunately, the decision of the Ministry of Finance does not leave us any choice but to take the above-mentioned action, since the vital interests of the State of Israel have been harmed. We hope that this crisis will be resolved as soon as possible.”

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