London has withdrawn the majority of its diplomatic staff from the consulate in East Jerusalem following a negotiated agreement with Israel regarding the facility’s future. Britain confirmed that while the building will remain operational under the designation “UK Mission, Jerusalem,” its diplomatic presence has been significantly scaled back.
The diplomatic friction originated from British measures imposing trade restrictions and sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and individuals linked to settler violence against Palestinians. Israel characterized these actions as a diplomatic attack and ordered the closure of the nearly two-century-old consulate on September 8.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that 20 British diplomats, including the consul general, were terminating their assignments and departing the country. Under the terms of the arrangement, only seven diplomats will remain at the premises, with their activities described as “very limited.” The removal of the consulate’s diplomatic emblem and signage occurred on Thursday.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that London temporarily withdrew some personnel and their families to ensure their safety. He maintained that the mission would continue to function independently and provide “vital services” to Palestinians. Miliband also clarified that Britain does not accept Israel’s legal authority to close the consulate, which was established in 1838 and traditionally managed relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza separately from the embassy in Tel Aviv.
Israel captured East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed the area, a move that is not recognized by most nations, including Britain. Despite the tensions, Miliband affirmed that London would not pursue retaliatory diplomatic action while negotiations were ongoing. He reiterated the UK’s continued support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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