Most UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate, Israel says, as Miliband says 'vital services' to remain

A majority of British diplomats stationed at the UK consulate in occupied East Jerusalem are departing following a diplomatic standoff with Israel, according to BBC News. Israeli authorities stated that the mission is shutting its regular operations, though the British government maintains the post will stay open under a new designation and continue providing essential services.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that twenty diplomats, alongside the consul general, are concluding their duties and exiting the country. He noted that Israel approved a smaller contingent of seven officials to remain at the property, functioning with a restricted operational mandate. Saar posted on social media that the step follows measures initially outlined in early September, pointing out that the consulate's sign had been taken down.

The confrontation stems from punitive measures announced by the United Kingdom last month against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are deemed unlawful under international law. In answer to the UK sanctions, the Israeli administration warned it would shut down the East Jerusalem post inside a 30-day window. Established in 1838, the historic mission manages British diplomatic ties with Palestinians across Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank, operating separately from the British embassy in Tel Aviv that oversees relations with Israel.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband contested Israel's characterisation of the move, asserting that the facility is not shutting down and will henceforth be known as the UK Mission, Jerusalem. He stated that the withdrawal of certain personnel and their relatives is a temporary measure driven by safety and security concerns, after negotiations failed to secure adequate protective assurances for the compound and remaining workers. Miliband reaffirmed Britain's longstanding position that East Jerusalem remains occupied territory and maintained that Israel lacks the legal power to close the diplomatic post.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office indicated that the seven remaining diplomats would preserve operational independence to deliver crucial assistance and maintain engagement with the Palestinian population. British officials viewed the arrangement as an acceptable interim resolution that prevents a total shutdown and leaves room to restore staffing levels in the future.

While media reports in Israel had suggested London considered expelling Israeli diplomats in response to the threat, the compromise appears to ease immediate tensions between the two governments. Miliband stated that the UK retains the option to implement reciprocal steps if needed, but will refrain from retaliatory actions as long as ongoing talks remain productive.