Key Takeaways
- Israel ordered the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem.
- Seven British diplomats will remain in a limited capacity.
- The UK pledged to continue offering vital services from the premises.
Israel has drastically reduced the British diplomatic presence in Jerusalem by closing the British consulate, while allowing seven diplomats to remain in a limited capacity. The move comes in retaliation for Western sanctions imposed by the UK over violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that the British consulate in Jerusalem ended its functions on Thursday, with 20 diplomats, including the consul general, leaving the country. Saar stated, 'As I announced, the British consulate in Jerusalem ended its role today.'
The building, which is the property of the British government, will now be used by a 'task force of only seven diplomats,' with their scope of activity described as 'very limited.'
In a statement, British Foreign Minister Ed Miliband said, 'The UK Mission, Jerusalem is independent, operational and will continue to deliver vital services and our work with the Palestinian people.'
The UK government maintains that it does not accept Israel's legal right to enforce the closure and pledged to continue delivering vital services from the premises. Miliband added, 'We will work in the coming months to build back up our presence and we will not take reciprocal action while such discussions are underway and credible.'
An Israeli diplomatic source told AFP that while the British will keep the building, they have lost a 'historic and significant footprint' in terms of support for Palestinians and having a consulate general in Jerusalem.
The move follows a dialogue between the British and Israeli governments aimed at avoiding an escalation of tensions. Saar stated, 'We are now on a path that will enable a return to more constructive relations.'
The British government's decision to continue offering services from the premises is seen as a step towards maintaining a presence in Jerusalem despite the closure of the consulate. The UK hopes to rebuild its diplomatic footprint in the city through this limited presence.
The closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem is part of a broader tension between the two countries over the issue of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The UK has led Western sanctions against Israel over the violence by settlers, leading to this significant diplomatic shift.
As I announced, the British consulate in Jerusalem ended its role today.
Gideon Saar, Israeli Foreign Minister
The UK Mission, Jerusalem is independent, operational and will continue to deliver vital services and our work with the Palestinian people.
Ed Miliband, British Foreign Minister
