UK scales back Jerusalem consulate after Israel dispute
Britain says its diplomatic mission will remain open with reduced staff, despite Israel's order to close the nearly 200-year-old consulate.
Britain has withdrawn diplomats from its East Jerusalem consulate following an agreement with Israel over the mission's purpose. The building will retain its name as UK Mission, Jerusalem, but activities will be limited. 20 British diplomats, including the consul general, have left Israel, with only seven allowed to continue working.
The diplomatic emblem and sign were removed on Thursday. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that London had temporarily withdrawn staff and families for safety. He emphasized the mission's independence and continued provision of vital services to Palestinians. Britain rejects Israel's legal right to close the consulate, which was established in 1838.
Israel closed the mission on September 8 in response to British measures against West Bank settlements. Britain joined other nations in imposing trade restrictions and sanctions targeting settlements and individuals involved in settler violence against Palestinians. Israel has condemned these measures as a diplomatic attack. The consulate traditionally managed relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, separate from Britain's embassy in Tel Aviv.
East Jerusalem was captured by Israel in 1967 and annexed, a claim not recognized by most countries, including Britain. Miliband affirmed that Britain will not retaliate diplomatically while negotiations with Israel proceed, reaffirming support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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