Israel and UK Reach Compromise on Jerusalem Consulate

Following tense negotiations, Israel and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement regarding the British Consulate in Jerusalem. While Israel had announced the complete closure of the consulate and the expulsion of 21 diplomats, the new arrangement allows for a limited operation with seven British diplomats remaining in the building. The consulate, which managed British relations with the Palestinian Authority, will lose its official status and have its symbols removed from the entrance.

The British Foreign Office presented a different interpretation, stating that Israel does not have the authority to close the consulate and that the change is merely a name alteration. They announced the consulate will now be known as the 'British Mission, Jerusalem,' asserting it will remain independent, active, provide essential services, and continue its work with Palestinians to support a two-state solution. The departure of diplomats was described as 'temporary' by the UK.

This development follows a series of punitive measures announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar against the UK last month. These measures were in response to the UK's announcement of a boycott on Israeli products and financial services from settlements, a move joined by 11 other countries. Additionally, the UK significantly expanded its arms embargo on Israel, suspending 80 arms export licenses, and its Foreign Secretary made strong statements against what he termed the 'ethnic cleansing' by 'violent settlers' in the West Bank.

These actions are part of a broader policy shift by the current UK Labour government, led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Reports indicated that the UK had sent envoys to Israel to prevent the consulate's closure and the expulsion of its diplomats, even threatening to expel over 20 Israeli diplomats from its London embassy in retaliation.

Foreign Minister Sa'ar stated that the agreement prevents further escalation and retaliatory measures, such as the expulsion of Israeli diplomats from the UK. He confirmed that the British Consulate in Jerusalem has ended its role, with the Consul General and 20 diplomats departing Israel. The building remains British property, but its operation is now limited to a seven-diplomat task force with very restricted activity. Sa'ar also revealed that Israel provided crucial intelligence to the UK regarding an alleged Iranian attempt to attack aircraft and soldiers at RAF Fairford.

The British statement highlighted ongoing disagreements, emphasizing that the UK does not accept Israel's legal right to close the nearly 200-year-old consulate and reiterating its long-standing position that East Jerusalem is occupied territory. They stated that the name change is part of understandings to ensure the safety of their staff and premises, and that they are temporarily relocating some personnel and their families. The UK plans to rebuild its presence in the coming months and will not take retaliatory steps while discussions are ongoing.

Sa'ar concluded by emphasizing that while Israel desires good relations, any country acting against it will face consequences, marking an end to Israel's period of 'containment' in both security and diplomatic spheres.