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The UK is to expel an Israeli diplomat over 12 forged British passports used in the killing of Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai in January.
David Miliband said there were "compelling reasons" to believe Israel was responsible for the forgeries.
The foreign secretary said the misuse of British passports was "intolerable".
Israel's ambassador to London, Ron Prosor, said he was "disappointed", but Israel confirmed there would be no tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsion.
Mr Prosor said: "The relationship between Israel and the UK is of mutual importance, hence we are disappointed by the... decision."
Israel has previously said there is no proof it was behind the killing at a Dubai hotel.
The foreign secretary said officers from Britain's Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) had investigated the matter of the passports.
There can't be a greater violation of trust for one ally to abuse the passports of another ally
Sir Menzies Campbell
Expulsion 'a strong signal'
It had concluded the passports used were copied from genuine British passports when handed over for inspection to individuals linked to Israel, either in Israel or in other countries, he said.
"Given that this was a very sophisticated operation, in which high-quality forgeries were made, the government judges it is highly likely that the forgeries were made by a state intelligence service," he said.
"We have concluded that there are compelling reasons to believe Israel was responsible for the misuse of the British passports."
The incident "represents a profound disregard for the sovereignty of the United Kingdom" he said.
He said the fact that Israel was a friend added "insult to injury".
The BBC's Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen said the expulsion sent a "very clear message" of British disapproval.
"It is a very big step for a government like the British to expel one of the diplomats belonging to one of its important allies," he said
Originally posted by badvok123
reply to post by slidingdoor
Maybe if israels neighbours think they've fallen out with they're allies. they might think its right time too attack. just a theory i doubt it though.
[edit on 23-3-2010 by badvok123]
[edit on 23-3-2010 by badvok123]