People enter the British consulate on the deadline set by Israel for its closure, following trade sanctions imposed by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, in East Jerusalem, Oct. 8, 2026. (Credit: Ammar Awad/Reuters)
British foreign minister Ed Miliband said on Thursday that its Consulate General building in East Jerusalem would not be closing but would be known as a UK Mission, remaining independent, operational and serving Palestinian people.
Israel had ordered the British consulate in East Jerusalem to close on Thursday over London's plans to impose sanctions on settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Miliband said that having withdrawn a number of staff and families in recent weeks, it would now work to build up their presence.
The deterioration in ties between the two allies had sparked speculation in Israel that Britain could respond to the closure by expelling Israeli diplomats in London.
"We will work in the coming months to build back up our presence, and we will not take reciprocal action while such discussions are underway and credible," Miliband said.
Britain's minister for the Middle East, Stephen Doughty, told Sky News that Britain was engaged in ongoing talks with the Israeli government, and that it deeply regretted Israel's actions in relation to its consulate.
"Our building remains open, our staff remains doing important work," Stephen Doughty told Sky News. "We retain a presence in Jerusalem ... and it is very important that that work is able to continue."
