Israel, UK Agree on Reduced British Diplomatic Presence in Jerusalem

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Thursday, October 8, that the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem will cease operations, though seven British diplomats will remain in its building. The agreement was reached overnight after a week of negotiations. The mission will lose its consular status, and 20 of its 27 staff members, including the Consul General, will leave Israel. The remaining seven diplomats will continue to work in the same building, owned by the British government, in a reduced capacity. Sa'ar referred to them as a "working group." He stated that the agreement serves Israel's interests and includes a commitment that no retaliatory measures will be taken against Israel. London had previously threatened to expel 27 Israeli diplomats.

However, the outcome of the negotiations is described differently in London. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that the mission is not closing but will be renamed the "British Mission, Jerusalem" starting immediately. The mission will remain independent, continue to provide essential services, and engage with Palestinians. Miliband emphasized that London does not recognize Israel's right to close the nearly 200-year-old consulate and continues to consider East Jerusalem occupied territory. The British side also indicated its intention to restore its presence in the coming months and will not take retaliatory measures as long as negotiations are conducted in good faith. London is not abandoning sanctions against settlements in Judea and Samaria, announced on September 8. Sa'ar had ordered the consulate's closure within 30 days in response to these sanctions, and its signs were removed from the building overnight.