The United Kingdom will maintain its diplomatic presence in East Jerusalem under a new name after Israel ordered its consulate to close. The British government announced that the nearly 200-year-old diplomatic facility would continue operating as the UK Mission, Jerusalem, following last-minute discussions with Israeli officials.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed the decision on Thursday, October 8. He said the mission would continue providing essential services and working with Palestinians despite the diplomatic dispute.
UK Rejects Israel’s Authority to Close Consulate
Miliband said Britain did not accept that Israel had the legal authority to shut down its consulate in East Jerusalem. He also reaffirmed the UK’s position that East Jerusalem is occupied territory.
The British government said the renamed mission would remain operational. However, it will initially operate with a smaller diplomatic presence following the withdrawal of several staff members and their families over security concerns.
Meanwhile, Miliband said Britain would work to rebuild its presence in the coming months. He also confirmed that the UK would not take retaliatory action against Israel while discussions continued.
Israel Limits British Diplomatic Presence
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the consulate had ceased operating in its previous capacity. Under the arrangement, Israel has authorised seven British diplomats to remain at the facility, while 20 diplomats, including the consul general, are expected to leave.
Workers removed the consulate’s signage on Thursday as Israel’s deadline for closure expired. Nevertheless, the British government maintained that the building would remain open under its new designation.
The UK’s embassy in Israel, located in Tel Aviv, remains unaffected by the dispute.
Dispute Follows UK Sanctions on Israeli Settlements
The diplomatic disagreement intensified after Britain announced sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank on September 8. Israel subsequently ordered the British consulate to close within 30 days.
The dispute has added pressure to relations between the two longstanding partners. Britain says its measures support a two-state solution, while Israel has described the UK’s actions as hostile.
The renamed mission will continue handling Britain’s relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. It will also provide consular services to British nationals in Palestine.
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