UK withdraws staff from its East Jerusalem consulate as Israel retaliates over a settlement trade ban
Summary
Israel ordered the closure of the UK consulate in East Jerusalem in response to a UK ban on trade with illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and sanctions on those who help build or finance them, and the mission was to shut its doors on Thursday. The Guardian described the forced closure as a low point in UK-Israeli relations, with reports that the UK is considering the retaliatory expulsion of Israeli diplomats from London. On Thursday 8 October, Israel said the consulate had 'ceased to function' and its foreign minister said 20 diplomats including the consul general would be leaving Israel, while the UK withdrew staff and families. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband insisted the building would not be shuttered but was downgraded in name only, becoming the UK Mission, Jerusalem, which 'will continue to deliver vital services'.
Latest: Israel said the British consulate in East Jerusalem had 'ceased to function' and the UK withdrew staff and families, while Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband insisted it was downgraded in name only and would become the UK Mission, Jerusalem.
Written automatically by an AI from the articles' headlines and descriptions. It can contain errors: follow the links to read the articles.
How it unfolded
Thursday 8 October
Israel said the British consulate in East Jerusalem had 'ceased to function' and the UK withdrew staff and families, while Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband insisted it was downgraded in name only and would become the UK Mission, Jerusalem.
- 04:00The IndependentIsrael says UK consulate in East Jerusalem has ‘ceased to function’
- 03:57Evening StandardIsrael says UK consulate in East Jerusalem has ‘ceased to function’
- 03:23EuronewsIsrael says British consulate in East Jerusalem 'ceasing operations'
- 03:10The IndependentUK withdraws staff and families from Jerusalem consulate
- 03:09Evening StandardUK withdraws staff and families from Jerusalem consulate
- 02:29The IndependentIsrael to close British consulate in East Jerusalem today after sanctions on illegal West Bank settlements
- 01:56Sky NewsIsrael confirms it is closing the British consulate in East Jerusalem
Wednesday 7 October
The UK consulate in East Jerusalem prepared to shut its doors on Thursday after Israel ordered its closure in response to a UK ban on trade with illegal West Bank settlements, with reports that the UK is considering expelling Israeli diplomats from London in retaliation.