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UK Consulate in Jerusalem Rebranded as Mission to Avoid Closure
Confirmed
In Short: The British consulate in Jerusalem has been rebranded as the 'UK Mission, Jerusalem' to avoid a full closure ordered by Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that the British consulate in East Jerusalem would close, citing false accusations against Israel by the UK Labour government.
The consulate, which has been in operation for nearly 200 years, was seen removing signs and plaques overnight.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that the UK does not accept Israel's legal right to close the consulate, emphasizing the importance of dialogue.
Under a last-minute deal, the consulate will now operate as the 'UK Mission, Jerusalem,' with its operations remaining independent and serving the Palestinian people.
The UK Mission will continue to deliver vital services for Palestinians, though the number of diplomatic staff will be reduced from 20 to seven.
The consulate's closure was prompted by Britain's plans to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including a trade ban.
Sa'ar noted that the UK had accused Israel of turning a blind eye to the 'ethnic cleansing' of Palestinians, which he described as 'false accusations.'
The UK government has reaffirmed its position that East Jerusalem is occupied territory, despite Israel's objections.
The UK is considering expelling Israeli diplomats from Israel’s embassy in the UK in response to the consulate closure.
The British embassy in Tel Aviv will continue to handle diplomatic relations with Israel’s government.
The UK Mission will continue to operate from the same building, but under a new name and with limited staff.
The Israeli government's decision to close the consulate was met with strong reactions from both sides, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
What this adds
The consulate's closure affects around 30 British diplomats and their family members.
The UK Mission will continue to handle relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
The UK's decision to ban trade with illegal West Bank settlements was the primary reason for Israel's order to close the consulate.
Background
The consulate's closure is a result of Britain's plans to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including a trade ban on goods made there.
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East Jerusalem is the portion of Jerusalem east of the Green Line. It was established formally by the armistice agreements at the end of the 1948 Palestine war.
What's confirmed
- "We did not want to reach this point, but the actions of the UK Labour government brought us here."
What's still developing
- Mr Miliband was referring to remarks he made in the House of Commons that a "new approach" was necessary because plans for West Bank development would render a two-state solution "unviable".
- "And all too often the Israeli government has turned a blind eye to this and worse, members of it have made statements and taken actions to support the forced displacement of Palestinians."
- "The UK stands steadfast by the measures we took on 8 September, in concert with the international community, in support of a two-state solution to deliver peace and security for the people of Israel and Palestine."
- Reuters journalists saw workers in the consulate remove a plaque reading "British Consulate General" and another sign for its consular section.
- This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. (c) Sky News 2026: British consulate in Jerusalem to become 'UK Mission' as Israel A Royal Navy serviceman has been charged with National Security Act (NSA) offences after an investigation by counter terror police.
- The family of a GP who was found dead at home in Norfolk has paid tribute to her "kind, generous and loving" nature.
- The denial of entry to Israel to 12 British elected officials and other British citizens involved in antisemitic and anti-Israel activity, as well as those who deny our very right to exist.
- "This is despite good relations with Britain, reflected, among other things, in security and intelligence cooperation. Relations between Israel and Britain are important and have repeatedly proven their value also in protecting the lives and interests of British citizens. Only recently, Israel provided Britain with vital information in the RAF Fairford affair," Sa'ar said.
- "We believe in dialogue and will continue to believe in dialogue. Unfortunately, in recent years, no genuine dialogue has taken place with the Labour Government," he said.
- "Over the past week, we held a dialogue with the British Government with the aim of preventing further deterioration in relations between the countries as a result of the closure of the Consulate," he said.
- The termination of British activity to train Palestinian Authority forces in Judea and Samaria.
- The removal of the British representatives from the International Gaza Support Center in Kiryat Gat.
Sources
- Threelink
- Jpostlink
- Arabnewslink
- WarpBeat — background on Britain Removes Consulate Signs in East Jerusalem as Israeli Shutdown Order Expires link
- WarpBeat — background on Digital Gift Cards and Online Lessons Offer Last-Minute Holiday Solutions link
- Wikipedia — background on East Jerusalem link
- Sky News — video link