From BBC News · · 2m
UK and Israel reach compromise on Jerusalem consulate
Israel says the British consulate in East Jerusalem is closing, but the UK insists it remains open as a mission with reduced staff after a dispute over sanctions.
In brief
Israel says the British consulate in East Jerusalem is closing, but the UK insists it remains open as a mission with reduced staff after a dispute over sanctions. Israel and the UK reached a compromise on October eighth after Israel threatened to close the British consulate in retaliation for UK sanctions on Israeli…
Israel closes British consulate
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on October eighth that the British Consulate in occupied East Jerusalem is closing its operations in retaliation for UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
“The British Consulate in Jerusalem is closing its operations today.”
Israel threatened closure after UK sanctions
Israel announced in September it would shut the consulate within thirty days of the UK sanctions announcement. The consulate, established in eighteen thirty-eight, handles UK relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.
Twenty diplomats and consul general to leave
Under the agreement, twenty diplomats including the consul general will leave Israel. However, a task force of seven diplomats will remain in the building with a very limited scope of activity, Saar said.
“a task force of only seven diplomats with a very limited scope of activity”
UK says building will not close
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband insisted the building will not close and will operate as a UK Mission from Thursday. He said staff were temporarily withdrawn for security reasons but the mission will work with the Palestinian people.
“will not be closing”
Miliband reiterates UK legal position
Miliband reiterated that East Jerusalem is occupied territory and that Israel has no legal right to close the consulate. He said an understanding had not been reached on necessary assurances for staff security and protection.
“The UK government reiterates its long-standing view that East Jerusalem is occupied territory.”
Seven diplomats to continue vital services
The Foreign Office said the seven remaining UK diplomats will be independent and operational, continuing to deliver vital services. Foreign Office sources called the deal a good outcome because the entire operation was not closing as threatened.
UK reserves right to retaliate but holds fire
Miliband made clear the UK reserved the right to take reciprocal action but said he would not do so while discussions are under way and credible. Any UK retaliation is unlikely before Israel's elections later this month.
Here's the gist
Israel and the UK reached a compromise on October eighth after Israel threatened to close the British consulate in retaliation for UK sanctions on Israeli settlements, allowing seven diplomats to remain in the building with limited operations.
