What is happening at the British consulate in East Jerusalem – and why are diplomats leaving?

WorldPolitics
8 Oct 2026 • 3:45 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

What is happening at the British consulate in East Jerusalem – and why are diplomats leaving?

  • Israel has declared the end of operations at the 200-year-old British consulate in East Jerusalem following the UK decision to ban trade with illegal West Bank settlements.
  • Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that 20 diplomats will leave, though the UK has been authorised to maintain a limited staff of seven diplomats in the building.
  • Foreign secretary Ed Miliband rejected Israel's authority to close the facility, reiterating the UK's long-standing position that East Jerusalem is occupied territory.
  • Miliband confirmed the building will continue to function under the name UK Mission, Jerusalem, adding that Britain will not take reciprocal action against Israeli diplomats while talks continue.
  • The diplomatic dispute follows measures announced by the UK on 8 September in response to the forced displacement and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians by settler terrorists in the West Bank.

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