Britain renames Jerusalem consulate after Israel orders closure
World · 8 October 2026
Written by AI from multiple news reports
Britain announced on 8 October 2026 that its consulate in East Jerusalem will stay open under a new name, "UK Mission." Israel had ordered the building to close because Britain placed sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The two countries reached a deal. Most British staff will leave, including the Consul General and around 20 diplomats. Only seven people will remain, with limited work to do.
The consulate has served Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza for nearly 200 years. Britain does not accept that Israel has the legal right to close it, as it considers East Jerusalem occupied territory.