Israel UK consulate East Jerusalem closure dispute 2026
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Israel shuts down British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem
The British government says it will retain its presence in occupied East Jerusalem.
Israel announced that 20 British diplomats, including the consul general, would have to leave the country.
Israel removed the British consulate sign in occupied East Jerusalem.
Most UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate
Signs from the British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem were removed overnight as a deadline for its closure loomed.
Israel said in September it would shut the consulate in retaliation for UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said the building remains open and the UK retains its presence.
“The building remains open. We retain our presence, we continue having staff able to do important work engaging with the Palestinian Authority... and we are engaging in ongoing conversations with Israel on this matter.”
Israel's deadline to close UK consulate in East Jerusalem nears
Israel has set a deadline for the UK to close its consulate in East Jerusalem.
Israel's demand to close the UK consulate followed a new import ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Former British consul Sir Vincent Fean says Israel is acting unlawfully by demanding the UK close its East Jerusalem consulate.