The United Kingdom and Israel have reached a compromise regarding the British consulate in East Jerusalem. Most UK diplomats will leave the consulate, but the building will remain open as a "UK Mission" with a limited scope of activity.
What happened
Israel had announced it would close the consulate in response to UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. The UK government had made efforts to persuade Israel not to close the consulate, and an agreement was reached that allows a task force of seven diplomats to remain in the building.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the consul general and 20 diplomats would be leaving Israel, but acknowledged that the building is the property of the British government. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said that some staff had been "temporarily withdrawn" for security reasons, but emphasized that the mission would continue to "work with the Palestinian people".
The compromise means that the British flag will still be flown outside the building, and the UK will maintain a presence in East Jerusalem. The UK government has reserved the right to take "reciprocal action" but will not do so while discussions with Israel are ongoing.
The British consulate in East Jerusalem, established in 1838, handles UK relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, and is distinct from the UK embassy in Tel Aviv. The agreement is seen as a way to reduce tensions between the UK and Israel, at least for the time being.
