Israel drastically reduces British diplomatic presence in Jerusalem
Jerusalem: Israel said the British consulate in Jerusalem ended its functions on Thursday but that seven diplomats would be allowed to remain in a limited capacity, with the UK saying it would continue to offer “vital services”. The move comes after Israel ordered the closure of the consulate in September as retaliation after London led Western sanctions over violence by Israeli settlers against…
Israel has drastically reduced its diplomatic presence in Jerusalem, downgrading the British consulate to a limited role with only seven diplomats remaining in the building. The move comes after Israel closed the consulate in September as retaliation for UK-led sanctions over Israeli settlers' violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the decision followed talks with the British government to prevent further escalation of tensions. While the building remains under British control and will continue to offer "vital services," the scope of activity will be significantly limited. Britain has pledged to maintain its "vital services" in Jerusalem and maintain an "independent, operational" consulate general.
The British government denies the Israeli government's claim of legal right to enforce the closure and plans to rebuild its presence in the coming months.
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