Britain has issued a defiant response to Israel after the Israeli government declared it would shut the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem on October 8, escalating a diplomatic row between the two nations.
The move follows Britain's sanctions on illegal settlements in the West Bank. One Western diplomat has said the closure of the UK consulate in Jerusalem would be “inconceivable.”
Foreign Secretary's statement
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband issued a statement rejecting the idea that Israel has the legal right to shut the post down, which has been in place for nearly 200 years.
Miliband stated: “We have been clear that we do not accept that the Government of Israel has the legal right to close the British Consulate General in Jerusalem, which has been there for nearly 200 years.
“The UK government reiterates its long-standing view that East Jerusalem is occupied territory. Following discussions with the Government of Israel, our Consulate General building will not be closing, and will be known as the UK Mission, Jerusalem from today.
“The UK Mission, Jerusalem is independent, operational, and will continue to deliver vital services and our work with the Palestinian people. This will ensure that we maintain our longstanding British presence and the UK’s role in support of two state solution.”
Staff withdrawn temporarily
Miliband confirmed the UK has withdrawn staff and families from the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem, citing security concerns.
He stated: “Without an understanding, we would not have the necessary assurances for the security and protections of our staff and premises. Accordingly, the UK has temporarily withdrawn a number of staff and families to ensure their safety and security.
“We will work in the coming months to build back up our presence, and we will not take reciprocal action while such discussions are underway and credible.
“The UK stands steadfast by the measures we took on 8 September, in concert with the international community, in support of a two-state solution to deliver peace and security for the people of Israel and Palestine.”
Expulsion ultimatum
The statement comes after reports claim the government hit Israel with an ultimatum following the UK’s trade sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Andy Burnham's Government has pledged to expel one Israeli diplomat for every British counterpart expelled from Israel. The ultimatum means as many as 27 Israelis could be expelled from the UK if relationships between the two states continue to sour.
The stand off was first reported by Israeli newspaper Ynet as the UK Foreign Office said it will not comment on speculation.
