Israel Backs Down on Threat to Close British Consulate in Jerusalem

Israel has significantly softened its stance regarding the British Consulate in Jerusalem, opting not to fully implement its threat to close the diplomatic mission. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that the consulate's "term of duty" has ended, and the Consul General along with 20 diplomats will depart Israel. However, Israel will permit a reduced British staff of seven diplomats to continue operating from the consulate building, maintaining a significantly scaled-down presence.

This decision marks a reversal from Israel's earlier threat, made about a month prior, to shut down the consulate entirely. The initial threat was a response to sanctions and boycotts imposed by Britain on Israel. Sa'ar stated that the dialogue between the two nations would continue, despite the circumstances leading to this point, which he attributed to the actions of the Labour government.

In response to Israel's actions, Britain had previously threatened to expel dozens of Israeli diplomats. However, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband clarified that the British Consulate General in Jerusalem will not be closed and will continue to provide essential services to Palestinians. Miliband asserted that the UK does not accept Israel's claim to the legal right to close the nearly 200-year-old consulate and reiterated Britain's long-standing position that East Jerusalem is occupied territory.

While Britain is maintaining its diplomatic presence, Miliband indicated that the UK is currently refraining from expelling Israeli diplomats. He stated that in the coming months, efforts will focus on rebuilding the British presence, and retaliatory measures will be avoided while credible talks on the matter are ongoing. The British mission in Jerusalem will continue its work with Palestinians, ensuring Britain's long-standing presence and support for a two-state solution.