Consulate in Jerusalem closes following dispute over settlements

 

Wiktor Nummelin/TT

 

Published 09.20

 

Israeli demonstrators outside the British consulate in Jerusalem following a British government decision to ban trade with illegal settlements on September 8. File photo. Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg/AP/TT

The UK's diplomatic outpost in Jerusalem is ceasing to operate as a consulate but will reopen as a mission, following a dispute regarding Israeli settlements.

When the British government banned the import of goods and services from illegal settlements on September 8, Israel responded by ordering the closure of the British consulate.

That closure has now been carried out, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced—though seven diplomats are being permitted to remain.

"However, their activities will be very limited," Sa'ar wrote on X.

The British have now chosen to designate the consulate—which has existed in Jerusalem for 200 years—as a "mission" instead.

"The UK stands firm on the measures we took on September 8," Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband wrote in a press release.