Israel announces closure of British consulate / London says mission will continue under a different name

Israel has announced the end of operations at the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, but the United Kingdom has rejected the decision, saying the diplomatic mission will continue operating under the name “UK Mission, Jerusalem”.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said that, starting Thursday, the consul general and approximately 20 British diplomats would end their assignments and leave Israel. The Israeli authorities have allowed London to continue using the building for limited diplomatic activity, with a reduced number of staff.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, however, said the property would not be closed. According to London, the new mission will remain independent, work with the Palestinian population and continue providing consular services. The United Kingdom does not recognize Israel’s right to close the consulate, considering East Jerusalem occupied territory.

The dispute erupted after London imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including a ban on trade in products originating from them. Israel described the measures as an escalation. Established in 1839, the mission handles British relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.