Muhammad Amanullah
Date: October 9, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —The United Kingdom has refused to close its consulate in occupied East Jerusalem despite the expiry of a deadline set by Israel.
The British government has decided to rename the consulate the “UK Mission, Jerusalem,” while a limited number of diplomats will continue working from the building.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the consulate building would remain open despite the expiry of Israel’s deadline, although its activities would continue on a reduced scale. He made clear that the UK does not accept Israel’s position that it has the legal authority to order the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem.
Diplomatic Staff to Be Reduced
According to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Israel has allowed the UK to continue operating from the building on a limited basis. He said seven British diplomats would remain there, while approximately 20 diplomats, including the British consul general, would conclude their duties and leave Israel.
Reuters journalists observed the building on Thursday and reported that the sign reading “British Consulate General” and the marker identifying the consular section had been removed. However, the British flag continued to fly over the building, indicating that the UK had not completely ended its diplomatic presence.
Assurance That Services for Palestinians Will Continue
According to British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, the newly named “UK Mission, Jerusalem” will maintain Britain’s engagement with the Palestinian people and continue providing important services.
He said the UK had withdrawn some staff members and their families in recent weeks but would now work to increase its presence in the area again. According to the British government, the mission’s new arrangements will not disrupt the provision of essential consular and other services to Palestinians.
Restrictions on Israeli Settlements Behind the Dispute
The dispute over the consulate’s closure intensified after Britain announced sanctions against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The measures include a ban on imports of certain products manufactured in the settlements.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned that any action against Israel would prompt an appropriate response.
Meanwhile, the United Nations and most countries consider Israeli settlements illegal under international law, while Israel disputes that position.
London Holds Back from Retaliatory Measures
Britain has decided, for the time being, not to take retaliatory action against Israeli diplomats in response to the current dispute. London says negotiations will continue and diplomatic channels will remain open despite disagreements between the two countries.
The UK and Israel have had differences over several issues in recent times. However, cooperation between the two countries in the economic, security and intelligence sectors continues.
Nearly Two Centuries of British Presence in East Jerusalem
Britain’s diplomatic presence in East Jerusalem dates back approximately 200 years. The current consulate handles Britain’s relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, along with consular services and other matters.
According to the British government, communication with the Palestinian people and the provision of services will continue despite the change in the consulate’s status. The UK maintains its position regarding the legal status of Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem.
Decision Will Not Affect the Embassy in Tel Aviv
The decision to rename the consulate in East Jerusalem and reduce its activities will not affect the British Embassy in Tel Aviv. The embassy in Tel Aviv serves as the main centre for the UK’s formal diplomatic relations with the Israeli government.
London has therefore chosen to limit its diplomatic presence in East Jerusalem while keeping the consular building open, preserving its ability to maintain contact with Palestinians and continue providing services in the Palestinian territories.
The decision comes amid growing disagreements between Israel and Britain over occupied territories, Israeli settlements and policies concerning the Palestinians.
