British consulate in Jerusalem to become 'UK Mission, Jerusalem' after Israel announces closure of facility
- On Thursday, workers removed the "British Consulate General" plaque from the consulate in East Jerusalem, marking the 30-day closure deadline ordered by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
- Israel ordered the closure after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced sanctions targeting West Bank settlement goods, escalating tensions deteriorated over three years as Britain criticized Gaza actions and settler violence.
- Under compromise, seven diplomats will operate as "UK Mission" in Sheikh Jarrah without consular status, while 20 of the consulate's 27 staff members depart following intense British pressure and a senior official's visit last week.
- About 30 British diplomats and families are affected by the closure; Britain is considering expelling 27 Israeli diplomats in response, though the closure does not impact Britain's embassy in Tel Aviv.
- Britain's presence in East Jerusalem spans nearly 200 years, handling Palestinian relations across the West Bank and Gaza; despite current strains, the UK and Israel remain close security partners, making mutual diplomat expulsions highly unusual.
147 Articles
147 Articles
Israel forces 20 British diplomats out of East Jerusalem amid diplomatic standoff
British diplomatic personnel are leaving the nearly 200-year-old consulate following Israel’s retaliation against London’s sanctions on illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.The consul general is among those departing, while just seven...
Israel has ordered a reduction in the operational status of the British consulate in Jerusalem, with seven diplomatic staff members working under limited circumstances. Britain confirmed the building remains open and continues to operate under the name of the British Mission to Jerusalem.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Thursday that the United Kingdom (UK) consulate in Jerusalem had closed its operations, but seven diplomats would be allowed to remain with limited powers.
Under pressure from Israel, Great Britain formally closes its traditional consulate in East Jerusalem. Under the new name "UK Mission" work continues on a limited basis for the time being.
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