Former Diplomat Urges UK to Maintain Jerusalem Presence 'At All Costs' Amid Consulate Dispute

A former British diplomat has warned that the UK must maintain a diplomatic presence in Jerusalem at all costs to counter Israeli claims to the disputed city. Sir Vincent Fean, who previously served as British Consul General in Jerusalem, emphasized that Britain's historic mission—dating back 200 years—is essential for upholding the UK's policy of viewing the city as a shared capital.

The remarks follow Israel's decision to close the Consulate General in Jerusalem, prompting UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to insist that the building would remain open as a limited mission. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the downgraded mission would house a government-operated task force with restricted activities, following a dispute over British trade sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Under the arrangement, most staff members were relocated to the embassy in Tel Aviv, while signs and plaques were removed from the building in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem. However, because the building is UK property, Israeli authorities were unable to seize control of it or expel all diplomats entirely.

Sir Vincent Fean suggested that Mr Miliband may be buying time until after the Israeli elections at the end of the month before engaging with a potential new government. Meanwhile, legal experts and humanitarian groups have criticized the move, with former attorney general Dominic Grieve KC describing the closure as an unlawful assertion of Israeli sovereignty, and charities warning of potential disruptions to aid delivery for Palestinians.