Israel Announces Reduction of British Diplomatic Presence in Jerusalem

Israel announced that the British consulate in Jerusalem has ended its operations, with seven diplomats permitted to continue working in a limited capacity. The United Kingdom confirmed it will maintain the delivery of vital services.

This development follows Israel’s order to close the consulate in September, which was a response to London’s role in leading Western sanctions against Israeli settlers for violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar explained that the decision to downsize the UK diplomatic presence was made after consultations with the British government to prevent an escalation of tensions between the nations.

“As previously stated, the British consulate in Jerusalem has concluded its role today,” Saar said, noting that 20 diplomats, including the consul general, are departing the country.

Saar added that the building remains British property, and a task force of only seven diplomats will be allowed to operate from the premises, which no longer functions as a consulate.

“Their activities will be highly restricted,” Saar emphasized.

Both countries have agreed to continue diplomatic dialogue, allowing each side to address important issues.

The UK government pledged to sustain its provision of essential services in Jerusalem, rebranding the consulate building as the UK Mission, Jerusalem.

“The UK Mission in Jerusalem is independent and operational, and will continue to deliver vital services and support our engagement with the Palestinian people,” stated Foreign Minister Ed Miliband.

Israeli Settlements Issue

An AFP photographer observed that the diplomatic emblem and plaque had been removed from the consulate’s facade.

It remains uncertain whether new plaques will be installed.

On September 8, Saar had ordered the closure of the British consulate.

At that time, Israel also planned to expel British officials from a Gaza ceasefire monitoring center, halt training for Palestinian Authority forces, and ban entry for 12 British individuals, primarily members of parliament.

Saar confirmed on Thursday that these measures have been implemented.

The retaliation was triggered by announcements from 12 countries, including Britain, Canada, and France, to sanction trade with Israeli settlements following an increase in settler attacks on Palestinians.

The British consulate in Jerusalem was established nearly two centuries ago.

Located in East Jerusalem, a historically Palestinian area captured by Israel in 1967, the site is part of a territory Israel annexed and considers its eternal capital.

Despite Israeli control, most nations, including the UK, do not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the entire city.

The consulate previously managed political, commercial, security, and economic interests between the UK and Palestine, in addition to offering consular services to British citizens in the region.

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