UK Downgrades East Jerusalem Consulate

Britain’s East Jerusalem consulate will remain open as the “UK Mission, Jerusalem,” rather than operate as a consulate. Israel says the consulate has ceased to function in that capacity and its operations are ending; Britain says the building is not closing. The 19th-century office handles British relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, separate from the UK embassy in Tel Aviv. The dispute followed British sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank; Israel ordered closure within 30 days. Britain says East Jerusalem is occupied and Israel lacks legal authority there. Israel’s foreign minister called the steps retaliation for British diplomatic attacks. Twenty British diplomats leave, while seven may remain. Britain will not currently expel Israeli diplomats.