UK Renames Jerusalem Consulate as 'UK Mission' After Israeli Closure Order

Britain and Israel confirmed on Thursday that the British diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, established in 1839, will remain open but at reduced scale and under a new name. The consulate will be renamed the "UK Mission" under a last-minute compromise reached after Israel ordered it shut amid a sanctions dispute. Israel stated that 20 British diplomats, including the consul general, will leave, leaving seven staff members operating in a limited capacity. Britain described the withdrawal of some diplomats as temporary, said it intends to rebuild its presence, and confirmed it will hold off on reciprocal measures for now. London stated that the renamed mission will continue providing "vital services" following the row over West Bank settlements. The agreement ends, for the moment, a standoff over the nearly 200-year-old diplomatic post.