Israeli embassies and consulates close over strike

Israeli embassies and consulates have shut down because of a strike by diplomats and military attaches over expense stipends, Report informs citing Interfax. 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 Consulate/Embassy."