UK Pulls 20 Diplomats From East Jerusalem as Israel Forces Consulate Into 7-Person Mission
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 8
UK Pulls 20 Diplomats From East Jerusalem as Israel Forces Consulate Into 7-Person Mission
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 8
Summary
Twenty British diplomats, including the consul general, are leaving Israel under a deal that lets only seven staff remain at the East Jerusalem site, now renamed the UK Mission, Jerusalem.
Israel imposed the move in retaliation for UK sanctions on West Bank settlements, saying the consulate was ending operations, while London said staff were withdrawn temporarily because Israel had not provided adequate security assurances.
The compromise preserves a British presence at the 1838 mission, which handles UK relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, even as Israel says the remaining team can operate only on a very limited basis.
Ed Miliband said Britain still views East Jerusalem as occupied territory and reserves the right to take reciprocal action, though officials signaled no retaliation is likely while talks continue and before Israeli elections later this month.