Israel and UK Dispute Status of Jerusalem Mission

Israel and Britain gave conflicting accounts Thursday of the status of the UK’s diplomatic building in East Jerusalem, after an Israeli deadline to close the consulate passed. Israel said the consulate had ended its functions and that 20 diplomats, including the consul general, would leave, while allowing up to seven diplomats to remain for limited work. Britain said the building would stay open as the UK Mission, Jerusalem, providing services and continuing work with Palestinians. The disagreement followed Israel’s September order that Britain close the consulate within 30 days. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the change took effect October 8 and described the remaining British team’s permitted activity as very limited. A plaque identifying the site as the British Consulate General was removed, according to an observation at the building. The British flag remained flying, and the practical scope of work at the premises was not clear. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said Britain did not accept Israel’s authority to close the consulate.