Most UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate, Israel says, as Miliband says 'vital services' to remain

Live updates

1. 3h ago

   UK Diplomats to Leave East Jerusalem Consulate

   Most UK diplomats will leave the East Jerusalem consulate, with 19 of 27 diplomats, including the consul general, ordered to leave, according to Israel. The move follows a diplomatic row over UK sanctions on Israeli settlers. UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband says 'vital services' will remain.

   Why it matters

   The UK and Israel have been experiencing strained diplomatic relations. The UK recently announced sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, prompting a reaction from Israel. The consulate in East Jerusalem is a key diplomatic outpost.

   What is confirmed

   • The UK consulate in East Jerusalem will continue to operate with limited staff. Israel ordered 19 of 27 UK diplomats to leave. The UK Foreign Secretary says 'vital services' will remain.
   • Israel downgraded the UK consulate in East Jerusalem over settler sanctions.

   What to watch next

   • The UK and Israel may reach a further agreement on diplomatic relations.
   • The impact of the diplomatic row on other European countries' relations with Israel.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. BBC — Most UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate, Israel says, as Miliband says 'vital services' to remain
   2. The New York Times — In Last-Minute Deal With Israel, U.K. Avoids Total Closure of British Consulate
   3. The Washington Post — Israel downgrades U.K. Consulate in East Jerusalem over settler sanctions
   4. Al Jazeera — King David Hotel bombing to consulate row: A timeline of UK-Israel tension
   5. CBS News — U.K. and Israel appear to reach tense truce, but diplomatic feud highlights Israel's strained ties with Europe
   6. news.qq.com — 200年总领馆摘牌，驱逐20名外交官，以色列为何先拿伦敦“立威”？
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