British consulate in East Jerusalem to stay open as UK mission

The British consulate in East Jerusalem will remain open, rebranded as a UK mission, after Israel threatened to close it. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed the change on Thursday, saying the mission would stay independent and report directly to London, not through the embassy in Tel Aviv. Israel had ordered the consulate to shut, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar declaring it closed. The consulate, separate from the UK embassy, covers East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, and provides consular services to Palestinians. Miliband reiterated that “East Jerusalem is occupied territory.”

Britain is withdrawing most of its diplomats, leaving only seven staff in the building. Consul General Helen Winterton is among those leaving. The reduction was forced by the Israeli government in response to Miliband’s decision last month to ban trade with illegal settlements and introduce a tougher sanctions regime against those aiding settlement building.

Diplomatic fallout and UK response

Israel’s move came after Sa’ar listed four actions to curtail UK activity, including removing British representatives from the International Gaza Support Center and entry bans for 12 named individuals, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Sa’ar said, “We established a clear principle: It is not possible to act against Israel without Israel taking appropriate measures in response.” Miliband backed away from expelling a parallel number of Israeli diplomats from London, arguing it was unwise during Israel’s election campaign. He said Britain would not take reciprocal action while talks continue, but the right to do so remained. The UK does not accept Israel had the legal right to close the consulate, which has stood for 200 years in territory Britain and international courts recognise as occupied.

National security adviser Jonathan Powell travelled to Israel last week to negotiate the arrangement. UK sources said Sa’ar had threatened to close the whole consulate, and it was better to retain a reduced presence that could be rebuilt. Miliband said the mission would still provide vital services to Palestinians, though its value will be tested by the small staff and reduced status.

International concerns and context

Diplomats from other western countries worry the closure sets a precedent. Israel has also revoked credentials of Dutch diplomats after the Netherlands banned imports from illegal settlements. France and Canada joined the UK in a settlement trade ban, but no action was taken against them.

UK-Israeli relations have deteriorated during the Gaza war, prompted by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023. Britain has criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s methods, rescinded arms export licences, and Miliband has spoken of evidence of war crimes, though he declined to accuse Israel of genocide. Former consul general Vincent Fean said the term “mission” is generic but losing 20 staff is a big drop, yet “it leaves a space, a place and team to build up whatever the outcome of the Israeli election.”