Most UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate, Israel says, as Miliband says ‘vital services’ to rema

British diplomats are set to leave the East Jerusalem consulate as Israel responds to UK sanctions, though the UK insists the building will not be closing. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that 20 diplomats and the consul general would leave the consulate, while a smaller task force of seven diplomats could remain.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that some staff had been temporarily withdrawn for security reasons, but the mission will still work with the Palestinian people. The consulate, established in 1838, handles UK relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. Israel closed the consulate in September in retaliation for UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Saar said the agreement reached with the UK means Israel will not take any further actions against the consulate, allowing it to remain open as a UK Mission. Miliband said the building will continue to operate, but with temporary staff withdrawals to ensure security for staff and premises. The UK Foreign Office described the deal as a "good outcome" as the consulate will not be fully closing, preserving the UK's presence in the region.