Most UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate, Israel says, as Miliband says 'vital services' will continue
BBC News 2026-10-08 07:06:15
Context: The UK's diplomatic presence in East Jerusalem is undergoing a significant change, with most diplomats set to leave the British consulate, which has been in operation since 1838. The development comes after Israel announced in September that it would shut the consulate in retaliation for UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The UK government has insisted that the consulate "will not be closing" and will operate as a "UK Mission" with a reduced staff.
Key Facts
- The Israeli government has agreed to allow a task force of seven diplomats with a "very limited scope of activity" to remain in the British consulate building in East Jerusalem.
- 20 diplomats and the Consul General will leave Israel, with some staff and families temporarily withdrawn for security reasons, according to UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.
- The UK government has maintained that the building "will not be closing" and will operate as a "UK Mission" in Jerusalem, despite Israel's announcement to shut the consulate.
- The consulate handles UK relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, and is distinct from the UK embassy in Tel Aviv, which is the UK's main diplomatic hub with Israel.