Israel announced that the British consulate in Jerusalem has ceased its activities as of Thursday, and only seven diplomats will be allowed to operate in a limited capacity. This action comes after Israel issued an order to close the consulate in September as retaliation for Western sanctions that London imposed in response to Israeli settlers' violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Details of the Diplomatic Presence Reduction
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated in a statement that the decision to reduce Britain's presence was made after discussions with the British government to prevent escalating tensions between the two countries. Sa'ar said, "As I announced, the British consulate in Jerusalem has completed its role today," adding that 20 diplomats, including the consul general, are concluding their missions and leaving the country.
Read more: Oman's Ambassador Presented His Credentials to the President of Austria
Sa'ar also emphasized that the building belongs to the British government and only a "task force of seven diplomats" will be allowed to operate there, which "will no longer function as a consulate today." He also noted that the scope of these diplomats' activities will be severely limited.
Britain's Commitment to Continue Services
The British government has stated that it will continue to provide essential services in Jerusalem, and the consulate building will be recognized as "British Mission, Jerusalem." Edward Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary, stated in a statement, "The British Mission, Jerusalem is independent and operational and will continue to provide essential services and cooperate with the Palestinian people."
An AFP photographer observed on Thursday that the diplomatic insignia and signs installed on the consulate's facade had been removed. It is still unclear whether new signs will be installed.
On September 8, Sa'ar issued the order to close the British consulate. At that time, he announced that Israel would also expel British representatives from the monitoring center for the U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan and would prevent training for Palestinian Authority forces. Additionally, 12 Britons, mostly members of parliament, were banned from entering Israel.
These retaliatory measures were taken after 12 countries, including Britain, Canada, and France, announced they would boycott trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank following an increase in settler attacks against Palestinians in the occupied area.
The British consulate in Jerusalem was established nearly 200 years ago. It is located in East Jerusalem, which is part of the historic Palestinian territory that Israel captured in 1967 and subsequently annexed, claiming the holy city as its unified capital. While Israel controls East Jerusalem, most countries, including Britain, do not recognize Israel's sovereignty over the entire city.
The British consulate carries out its duties in political, commercial, security, and economic areas between Britain and Palestine, and also provides consular services to British citizens in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Read more: The African Union Delegation Met with Congolese Rebels and Emphasized the Continuation of Peace Efforts · Iran's Response to the Rhetoric of Bahrain's Representative at the United Nations
