Britain has announced that its historic consulate in Jerusalem, active since 1839, will continue to operate under the new name 'British Mission'. This decision follows recent tensions with Israel and the country's request to close the consulate due to London's sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Diplomatic Tensions and the History of the Consulate
Last month, Israel gave Britain a 30-day ultimatum to close the consulate and withdraw its diplomats from Jerusalem. This request was made after Britain announced sanctions against products made in Israeli settlements. These sanctions have fueled tensions in the relations between the two countries and led to a decrease in the level of cooperation.
Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's Foreign Minister, stated in a statement that the consulate in East Jerusalem will be officially closed, but some British diplomats will continue their work in this building under an agreement between the two countries. Edward Miliband, the UK Foreign Secretary, emphasized that his country does not accept Israel's legal right to close the consulate, stating that 'our consulate building will not be closed and will henceforth be known as the British Mission in Jerusalem.'
Recent Developments and Their Consequences
On Thursday, reporters witnessed workers removing old signs from the consulate building, while the British flag still flew above the building. The British consulate, located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, manages Britain's relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, and also provides consular services to Palestinians.
The announcement of Britain's sanctions and the order to close the consulate is a sign of the declining relations between the two countries in recent years. Britain has repeatedly criticized Israel's actions in the war with Gaza and the attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians. Additionally, the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, facing upcoming elections, has accused the UK Labour Party of hostility towards Israel.
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