UK Diplomats to Depart East Jerusalem Consulate Amid Tensions

Most diplomats will leave the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem, Israel says, but the UK insists the building "will not be closing", and will operate as a "UK Mission".

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar posted that 20 diplomats, including the consul general, would leave, while a task force of seven could remain with "a very limited scope of activity".

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said staff had been "temporarily withdrawn" for safety, stressing the mission will "work with the Palestinian people" even as the UK will not recognise the consulate’s closure.

The consulate, founded in 1838, handles UK relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, and is distinct from the main embassy in Tel Aviv.

Israel cited the UK's sanctions on and removal of Israeli settlements in the West Bank as the trigger for the closure, a retaliatory measure announced in September.

In a brief exchange, Saar noted the consulate’s sign had been removed, yet the British flag remained outside, and staff were seen entering the premises.

The two sides now agree that the building remains a UK property, with Israel authorising only seven diplomats, and that no further steps will be taken against Israel during this period.

The Foreign Office described the deal as a "good outcome" because the operation will not be fully shut down, allowing for future restoration of the mission.

Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty highlighted that the building is still open, staff are operational, and the UK will continue engaging with the Palestinian Authority, while maintaining a firm stance on Israel’s policies.

Miliband clarified that the UK will not exercise reciprocal action while talks are ongoing, likely postponing any retaliation until Israel’s upcoming elections later this month.