Jerusalem, 8 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel and Britain have reached an understanding to ease their latest diplomatic crisis, according to Israeli media reports on Thursday.
Under the arrangement, Israel will proceed with ending the British consulate’s operations in eastern Jerusalem, while allowing Britain to maintain a sharply reduced “task force” in the same building.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the team will consist of seven diplomats with significantly limited activity. Twenty British diplomats, including the consul general, are expected to leave Israel. Sa’ar said the two governments agreed to continue dialogue and that, under the understandings reached, Britain will not take retaliatory measures against Israel.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband disputed Israel’s characterization, saying London does not recognize Israel’s legal authority to close the consulate and will instead call the remaining mission the “British Mission, Jerusalem.” Britain said it will continue providing essential services and working with Palestinians.