Worlddiplomacy
UK Diplomats to Leave East Jerusalem Consulate as Israel Retaliates
Most British diplomats are leaving the British consulate in East Jerusalem following an Israeli directive, though the UK government insists the historic building will remain open as a reduced UK Mission. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the consulate's operations are ending due to previous UK sanctions on West Bank settlements. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed that a number of staff have been temporarily withdrawn for security reasons, but emphasized that the mission will continue to operate and work with the Palestinian people under a limited scope.