British Consulate in Jerusalem to Scale Back Operations, Not Close
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
The British Consulate in East Jerusalem will scale back operations but remain open following negotiations between Israel and the UK. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that the Consul General and 19 diplomats will depart, leaving a staff of seven. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed the change, renaming the mission the "British Mission, Jerusalem." The initial plan was to close the consulate in response to British sanctions on settlements.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The British Consulate in East Jerusalem will reduce operations but not close, announced Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.
- The Consul General and 19 diplomats will leave Israel, with seven remaining.
- The building will remain British property and operate as the "British Mission, Jerusalem."
- The reduction follows Sa'ar's earlier announcement to close the consulate in response to UK sanctions.
- British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed the scaled-back operations and new designation.
The British Consulate in East Jerusalem will reduce its activities but will not close, announced Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on Thursday. Following discussions between the parties, Sa'ar stated that the British Consul General and 19 additional diplomats will conclude their roles and leave Israel. The building, owned by the British government, will remain under British control and will operate with a reduced staff of seven diplomats.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also announced the reduction in operations, stating the consulate will henceforth be known as the "British Mission, Jerusalem." Miliband described it as an independent body that will continue to "provide essential services and our work with the Palestinians."
Last month, Sa'ar had announced the consulate's closure in response to Britain's expanded sanctions on Israeli settlements. However, negotiations led to the current compromise.
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