❗️UK to retain Jerusalem mission after Israel orders consulate closure

Britain and Israel announced on Thursday that a nearly 200-year-old British diplomatic mission in Jerusalem would remain open on a reduced scale and operate under a new name, following a dispute over sanctions that had led Israel to order its closure.

Under a last-minute agreement, Britain will rename the consulate, which was established in 1839, as the “UK Mission” in the city.

Israel said 20 British diplomats, including the consul general, would leave, leaving seven staff members to operate the mission in a limited capacity. Britain said some diplomats had been withdrawn “temporarily” and that it planned to restore its presence, while holding off on reciprocal measures for the time being.