UK and Israel agree to keep the British consulate in Jerusalem open as a 'UK Mission' after 20 diplomats leave. The building will continue to provide services to Palestinians, with seven diplomats remaining in a limited role.
Israel says the consulate will end operations but allows some British diplomats to stay. Britain claims Israel has no legal right to close the consulate, which is in East Jerusalem, a area Israel annexed in 1967. Both sides agree to avoid further escalation in their diplomatic tensions.
The agreement prevents a major crisis between the UK and Israel, with Britain temporarily withdrawing staff for security reasons. The UK says it will rebuild its presence in the future, while Israel maintains the consulate is in occupied territory.
Britain and Israel disagree on the legal status of the consulate. Israel claims it has the right to close it, while Britain insists it is a legitimate diplomatic presence. Both sides have agreed to temporary measures to avoid further conflict.