Israel vs UK: Jerusalem Consulate Row Deepens! Miliband Vows It's Open
Israel vs UK: Jerusalem Consulate Row Deepens! Miliband Vows It's Open
A major diplomatic row erupts as Israel declares the UK consulate in East Jerusalem has ceased functioning, but Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband insists it remains operational as the 'UK Mission'. Get the full story on this
A significant diplomatic dispute has flared up between the United Kingdom and Israel concerning the status of the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem. Israel has declared that the facility has “ceased to function,” a move it characterizes as retaliation for the UK's decision to ban trade with illegal West Bank settlements.
However, the UK's Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, firmly countered this, asserting that the consulate remains operational and its functions merely downgraded in name, now known as the 'UK Mission, Jerusalem'. According to Mr. Miliband, Israel does not possess the legal right to close the British Consulate General, which has a nearly 200-year history in the city.
He reiterated the UK's long-standing view that East Jerusalem is occupied territory. Despite Israel's assertion, the UK maintains that the building will continue to operate, delivering vital services and supporting the Palestinian people.
The dispute escalated as the deadline set by Israel for the consulate's closure expired.
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar stated on X that the British consulate in Jerusalem was “ending its activities today,” confirming the removal of the sign identifying the consulate. He acknowledged that the building itself belongs to the British Government but claimed Israel had authorized only a limited task force of seven diplomats to operate from it, noting its function as a consulate had ceased.
Previously, the consulate had a staff of 19 diplomats. The UK has temporarily withdrawn some staff to ensure their safety and plans to seek the return of all diplomatic personnel following the October 27 Israeli election. The Foreign Office has also kept the threat of "strong reciprocal measures" on the table should discussions with Israel not yield positive results.
Israeli media had previously reported that the UK might consider expelling up to 27 Israeli diplomats from London if the closure proceeded. Mr. Sa'ar, however, dismissed the notion of reciprocal measures, stating that
no measures will be taken against Israel as a result of the implementation of the decisions.
He claimed there had been "no genuine dialogue" with UK ministers in recent years despite existing security and intelligence cooperation, attributing the current situation to the actions of the UK Labour Government.", "city": "Jerusalem #UKIsraelRelations #JerusalemDiplomacy #MilibandStatement #DiplomaticRow
