UK expels Israeli diplomat over Dubai slaying case

LONDON (AP) - Britain has expelled an Israeli diplomat over the alleged use of forged U.K. passports in the assassination of a Hamas operative in a suspected Mossad hit.

Israel said it was disappointed but vowed to strengthen its relationship with Britain.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband told lawmakers on Tuesday that the Israeli diplomat, who has not been named, was removed from London following an investigation into the use of 12 fake U.K. passports in the Jan 20 slaying in Dubai.

He says a British investigation found "compelling reasons to believe that Israel was responsible" for the forged passports.

Israel's ambassador to Britain, Ron Prosor, said Israel was "disappointed by the decision of the British government" but affirmed his commitment to a relationship "of mutual importance."

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

LONDON (AP) - Britain expelled an Israeli diplomat on Tuesday over the alleged use of forged U.K. passports in the assassination of a Hamas operative in a suspected Mossad hit.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband told lawmakers that the diplomat, who has not been named, was removed following an investigation into the use of 12 fake U.K. passports in the Jan 20 slaying in Dubai.

He says a British investigation found there was "compelling reasons to believe that Israel was responsible" for the forged passports.

Dubai accuses Israel's Mossad spy agency of killing Mahmoud al-Mabhouh. It has identified at least 26 suspects of an alleged hit squad who used forged European and Australian passports to enter the country.

Israel has declined to confirm or deny whether it was involved.

Miliband said Israel's actions had put British nationals at risk and showed a "profound disregard" for Britain's sovereignty. He said the fact that Israel is a longtime ally with close business, personal and political ties to Britain "adds insult to injury" in this case.

The foreign secretary said Britain will continue to support Israel's bid for security and stability but that Israel's actions had been completely unacceptable.