UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate after Israel row
Most UK diplomats at the historic 1838 Jerusalem consulate must leave after Israel enforced its closure following a diplomatic sanctions dispute.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Israel ordered the closure of the UK consulate in East Jerusalem over British sanctions on West Bank settlements.
- The consul general and 20 diplomats are ending their duties and leaving Israel immediately.
- The building remains open under the new name UK Mission, Jerusalem, with staff partially withdrawn for safety.
Israel implemented measures announced on September 8 to shut down the British consulate in East Jerusalem, retaliating against UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. The British government had made last-ditch efforts to persuade Israel to halt the closure ahead of the deadline following the 30-day notice period.
Established in 1838, the consulate handles relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. It operates separately from the UK embassy in Tel Aviv, which serves as the primary diplomatic hub for Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated on social media that the consulate had ceased operations and its sign had been removed. However, the British flag remained visible outside on Thursday morning, with several staff members seen entering the premises.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Saar noted that discussions with the UK resulted in an agreement where the consul general and 20 diplomats would conclude their duties and depart Israel, preventing further escalation between the two nations. Prior to the agreement, Israeli media reported potential retaliation involving the expulsion of Israeli diplomats from London.
"The building will not be closing and will be known as the UK Mission, Jerusalem from Thursday."
UK Foreign Office
The compromise temporarily diffuses a dispute that threatened bilateral ties. While Israel claims the consulate operations have ended, British officials maintain that staff were withdrawn strictly for safety and security reasons, reiterating the UK stance that East Jerusalem remains occupied territory.
This diplomatic standoff highlights ongoing international tensions surrounding West Bank settlements and international law. By downgrading the consulate to a mission rather than closing it entirely, London preserves a vital channel for engagement with Palestinian authorities despite security hurdles.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty told the Today programme that the building stays open, allowing personnel to continue critical engagement work with the Palestinian Authority while ongoing conversations with Israel proceed.
Source: BBC World
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment