The UK and Israel have reached a compromise regarding the British consulate in East Jerusalem, which Israel had threatened to close in retaliation for UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that 20 diplomats and the consul general would leave Israel, while a task force of seven diplomats would remain in the building with a limited scope of activity.
The British consulate in East Jerusalem, established in 1838, handles UK relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, and is distinct from the UK embassy in Tel Aviv. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that some staff had been temporarily withdrawn for security reasons, but stressed that the mission would continue to work with the Palestinian people.
Israel implemented measures announced on September 8 in response to UK sanctions, and Saar said that the British Consulate in Jerusalem was closing its operations. However, Miliband insisted that the building would not be closing and would operate as a "UK Mission". The UK government had made last-ditch efforts to persuade Israel not to close the consulate ahead of the deadline.
As a result of the agreement, the UK will maintain a presence in the building, which will be known as the UK Mission, Jerusalem. Miliband said that an understanding had not been reached on necessary assurances for the security and protections of UK staff and premises. The Foreign Office said the seven UK diplomats who remain would be independent and operational, delivering vital services.
Israeli media had reported that the UK had threatened to expel Israeli diplomats from London, raising the prospect of further damaging bilateral relations. However, Miliband said that the UK reserved the right to take reciprocal action but would not do so while discussions are underway and credible.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty explained that the building remains open, and the UK retains its presence, continuing to engage with the Palestinian Authority. He added that policies towards the Israeli government, with which the UK fundamentally disagrees, would continue.
The compromise allows the UK to maintain a presence in East Jerusalem, and FCDO sources described the deal as a "good outcome" because the entire operation was not closing. The UK presence will help build back the mission in the future.
Key points
- The UK and Israel have reached a compromise regarding the British consulate in East Jerusalem.
- 20 diplomats and the consul general will leave Israel, while seven diplomats will remain with a limited scope of activity.
- The UK mission will continue to operate, delivering vital services to Palestinians.
