The UK has withdrawn staff and their families from its consulate in East Jerusalem after Israel said it would be closed in retaliation for the Government’s trade ban with illegal West Bank settlements.
However, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the building itself would not be shuttered and would instead be known as the UK Mission. He also said some of its staff were being withdrawn to “ensure their safety”.
Israeli foreign minister announces closure
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar said the British consulate in Jerusalem is “ending its activities today,” with the sign identifying the consulate having been removed.
The consulate “ceased its functions” with the consul general and 20 diplomats departing Israel, leaving just seven diplomats, he said.
He added: “We did not want to reach this point, but the Labour Government’s actions brought us here.”
UK stance on settlements
The retaliation comes after the UK accused the Israeli government of turning a blind eye to the “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians.
Both Israel and the US criticised the UK’s stance, which involves a ban on imports from illegal settlements in the West Bank and sanctions on individuals and firms providing services to settlers.
Miliband’s statement
In a statement, Mr Miliband said: “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.”
The Foreign Secretary said the UK Mission will maintain long-standing British presence and the UK’s role in support of a two-state solution.
He added: “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“Accordingly, the UK has temporarily withdrawn a number of staff and families to ensure their safety and security.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 under way 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.”
The consulate, which was first established in 1838, handles UK relations with Palestinians in the city as well as in the West Bank and Gaza. It is a separate mission to the UK embassy in Tel Aviv, which is the country’s main diplomatic interface with Israel.
