Israel and UK Reach Compromise on East Jerusalem Consulate

Israel backtracks on plans to shutter the British consulate in East Jerusalem, agreeing to reduce its diplomatic footprint instead.

Israel and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement under which the British consulate in East Jerusalem will remain operational in a reduced capacity, news outlet Makor Rishon and network i24NEWS reported. The arrangement follows Israel reversing its earlier intention to close the mission, which serves the Palestinian population.

According to the BBC, Israel said that most British diplomats will leave the consulate, while officials in London affirmed that vital services will continue to operate. The move stems from Israeli warnings in September that it would respond to sanctions imposed by the UK on settlements in the West Bank.

Further details regarding the precise extent of staff reductions and the timeline for implementation have not yet been released.