Israel, UK Reach Last-Minute Deal Over Jerusalem Consulate

Israel and Britain reached a last-minute agreement on Thursday to maintain a reduced British diplomatic presence in Jerusalem, following a dispute over Israel's order to close the British Consulate General.

Under the agreement, the consulate will formally cease operating in its previous capacity. However, the building will remain open under the new name "UK Mission, Jerusalem," with seven British diplomats permitted to continue working there.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said 20 British diplomats, including the consul general, would leave Israel. The seven remaining diplomats will operate under significantly restricted conditions.

Britain, however, presented the arrangement differently. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the renamed mission would remain independent and operational, continuing to provide services and maintain relations with Palestinians.

Miliband also reiterated Britain's position that Israel lacks the legal authority to close the consulate, which has operated in Jerusalem for nearly 200 years.

The agreement follows weeks of diplomatic tensions between the two countries. On September 8, Britain announced sanctions targeting Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria, including a ban on imports of goods produced there.

In response, Israel ordered the British Consulate General to close within 30 days. The deadline expired on Thursday.

Meanwhile, British officials made several attempts to prevent the closure. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell visited Israel last week for talks with Israeli officials, although the discussions initially failed to produce an agreement.

The two governments eventually reached an understanding on Wednesday night, shortly before the deadline expired.

On Thursday morning, workers removed signs identifying the building as the British Consulate General. Nevertheless, the British flag remained flying over the diplomatic compound.

As part of the agreement, Britain will refrain from retaliatory measures while further discussions continue. Earlier reports indicated that London had considered expelling Israeli diplomats in response to the closure.

Miliband said Britain had temporarily withdrawn some diplomatic staff and their families for security reasons. However, he added that the government intends to rebuild its presence in Jerusalem over the coming months.

The consulate, established in 1839, has traditionally handled Britain's relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and Gaza.

The agreement does not affect the British Embassy in Tel Aviv, which manages diplomatic relations with the Israeli government.

Despite the compromise, the two countries continue to disagree over the consulate's diplomatic status and the scope of its future activities.