Most UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate, Israel says, as Miliband says 'vital services' to remain
Israel said in September it would act in response to UK sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The British consulate in East Jerusalem is set to close as Israel responds to UK sanctions on Israeli settlements, a move Israeli officials claim is temporary. Twenty diplomats and the Consul General will depart, but seven will remain to carry out limited operations. The UK insists the building will not fully close and will operate as a UK Mission, focusing on engaging with the Palestinian people.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the closure in response to UK sanctions, which he decried as illegal. However, he agreed to retain a small task force for the sake of maintaining relations. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband expressed disappointment, stating the UK does not accept Israel's right to close the consulate.
He also noted that certain security assurances for staff and premises have not been reached, prompting the temporary withdrawal of some personnel and their families.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Israel must follow through on British consulate closure after Miliband sanctions - editorial jpost.com
- Israel says British consulate in East Jerusalem 'ceasing operations' euronews.com
- Britain downscales and renames Jerusalem consulate after Israel orders closure scmp.com
- Israel drastically reduces British diplomatic presence in Jerusalem al-monitor.com
- Israel closes British Consulate in Jerusalem israelnationalnews.com
- British consulate in Jerusalem to become 'UK Mission, Jerusalem' after Israel announces closure of facility news.sky.com
- Signage at UK consulate in East Jerusalem removed as Israel’s deadline over aljazeera.com
- Most UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate, Israel says, as Miliband says 'vital services' will continue bbc.co.uk
