Signage was removed from the UK consulate in occupied East Jerusalem as a 30-day Israeli deadline for its closure ended. Britain says it will retain a presence and continue vital services even as most diplomats leave.
Key facts
- Thursday marked 30 days since Israel's foreign minister ordered the consulate's closure.
- Signs were removed from the building overnight as the deadline loomed.
- Israel acted in response to UK sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
- The UK says it will retain a presence and continue 'vital services' in East Jerusalem.
- The consulate was first established in 1838.
Signs were removed overnight from the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem as a deadline set by Israel for the building’s closure expired, according to Al Jazeera. Thursday marked 30 days since Israel’s foreign minister ordered the consulate shut.
The closure stems from a dispute between the two governments. The BBC reported that the consulate was set to be closed by the Israeli government in retaliation for UK sanctions. Israel said in September it would act in response to UK sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Despite the removal of the signage, Britain has signalled it does not intend to withdraw entirely. Al Jazeera reported that the British government says it will retain its presence in occupied East Jerusalem after Israel removed the consulate.
According to the BBC, the UK said ‘vital services’ would continue in East Jerusalem even as Israel said most of the consulate’s diplomats are leaving. UK figures were cited by the BBC as saying vital services would remain in place.
The consulate has a long history in the city. The BBC noted that it was first established in 1838, making its closure a significant moment in the UK’s diplomatic footprint in the region.
Video footage published by Al Jazeera showed the signs being taken down overnight as the closure deadline approached, underscoring the practical steps being taken to wind down the mission even as both governments set out competing positions on what comes next.
Why it matters
The closure marks a notable deterioration in UK-Israel relations following British sanctions over West Bank settlements. It affects a diplomatic presence that has existed since 1838 and raises questions about services for people in occupied East Jerusalem.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Israel closing the UK consulate in East Jerusalem?
According to the BBC, the closure is in retaliation for UK sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israel said in September it would act in response to those sanctions.
Will the UK keep any presence in East Jerusalem?
Yes. Al Jazeera reported that the British government says it will retain its presence in occupied East Jerusalem, and the BBC reported the UK says 'vital services' will continue even as most diplomats leave.
How long has the consulate existed?
The BBC reported that the consulate was first established in 1838.