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The British consulate in East Jerusalem, an area under Israeli occupation, is undergoing significant changes as Israel announced that most diplomatic staff will be departing the premises. Despite Israeli claims that the consulate is closing, the UK maintains that the building will remain operational, rebranded as a “UK Mission.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar took to social media to confirm that 20 diplomats, including the consul general, would leave Israel, though a limited task force of seven would stay onsite with restricted responsibilities.
This development follows Israel’s decision last September to close the consulate in retaliation for British sanctions against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which the UK considers illegal under international law. Israel set a 30-day deadline for the consulate’s closure after these sanctions were imposed. The UK government made last-minute efforts to dissuade Israel from shutting the consulate before the deadline passed on Thursday. Originally founded in 1838, this consulate has traditionally facilitated UK interactions with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, operating distinctly from the UK embassy in Tel Aviv, which manages relations with Israel.
Responding to the situation, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband noted that some personnel had been “temporarily withdrawn” due to security concerns but emphasized that the mission would continue working with the Palestinian community. He also contested Israel’s authority to close the consulate, reiterating the UK’s stance that East Jerusalem remains occupied territory. Miliband stressed that the building would “not be closing” and would function under a new name, “UK Mission, Jerusalem.” Still, he acknowledged that the parties had not reached an agreement over security guarantees for staff and premises, a point that prompted the temporary withdrawal of some staff and families.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that, in line with the arrangements agreed upon with the UK, no further actions would be taken against Israel. He confirmed the consulate’s sign had been removed, although the British flag remained visible, and some staff continued to enter the site. Saar also noted that the consulate building remains British property, with a small group of diplomats continuing limited activities there. While Israeli media had previously suggested that the UK might respond by expelling Israeli diplomats in London, the current compromise has eased tensions that threatened to further damage the bilateral relationship. The UK government views this resolution as a positive outcome, allowing the mission’s presence to continue and enabling future rebuilding efforts. The foreign secretary also reserved the right to retaliate but stated that no such action would be taken while negotiations remain active and credible, particularly with upcoming Israeli elections
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