Britain and Israel said the nearly 200-year-old British mission in Jerusalem will stay open under a new name with fewer diplomats, after Israel ordered the consulate closed in a sanctions dispute.
Britain and Israel said on Thursday that the British diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, founded in 1839, would remain open on a smaller scale and under a new name. The compromise followed an Israeli order to shut the consulate after London sanctioned trade in goods from West Bank settlements.
Reuters reported that Britain will rename the post the UK Mission. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the consulate would formally end operations, that the consul general and 19 other diplomats would leave, and that seven diplomats could stay in a limited role.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the building would not close and would be known as the UK Mission, Jerusalem from Thursday. He said it would keep delivering services and work with the Palestinian people. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency quoted him saying Britain retains its long-standing presence, while also acknowledging a downgrade.
Israel had set a 30-day deadline last month. Reuters described the arrangement as a last-minute agreement that appeared to head off a larger break between the allies. Miliband has said Israel does not have authority to close the consulate.
The reports describe a rename and a staffing cut, not a full withdrawal of British diplomacy from the city.
People Sentiments Mixed
- Saar said the consulate ended its role and that 20 diplomats would leave.
- Miliband said the building would not close and Britain retained its presence.