In brief
The British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem is set to close following the departure of 20 diplomats. The UK maintains that the building will not shut entirely, continuing to operate as a UK Mission with a small task force. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the closure, citing security concerns and a response to UK sanctions on Israeli settlements. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stressed that the move is temporary, for staff safety, and that the UK will still provide vital services to Palestinians while insisting Israel has no legal right to close the consulate. The agreement is viewed as a compromise that keeps diplomatic lines open between London and Tel Aviv.
Most diplomats will leave the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem, Israel has confirmed, but the UK insists the building will not completely shut down.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar posted on social media that 20 diplomats and the consul general will depart, while a task force of seven diplomats may remain with a very limited scope of activity. The UK Foreign Office said the small group will continue to run the mission and provide vital services to Palestinians.
Israel’s decision follows UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which the British government cites as illegal under international law. In September, Israel warned the consulate would close within 30 days of the sanctions announcement.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband replied that the staff withdrawals were a temporary safety measure and that the consulate, now to be called the UK Mission, would remain open. The UK maintains that East Jerusalem is occupied territory and that Israel has no legal right to close a diplomatic post.
Saar noted that the building is British property and that Israel had authorised a limited presence. He added that the move would prevent further steps being taken against Israel.
The Foreign Office characterised the compromise as a “good outcome” that preserves a UK presence in East Jerusalem while awaiting a more comprehensive security agreement. Stephen Doughty, the Foreign Office minister, emphasised that the mission remains open and that the UK continues to engage with the Palestinian Authority.
Miliband reaffirmed the UK’s right to take reciprocal action if the situation deteriorates, but indicated this would not occur while constructive talks are ongoing and a credible resolution has not been reached.
Key points
- 20 diplomats and the consul general will exit the building by Thursday.
- Seven diplomats will remain, operating with a limited scope.
- The consulate will be renamed the UK Mission.
- UK staff withdrawals are temporary and for safety.
- Britain maintains that the consulate will not close entirely.