Britain downscales and renames Jerusalem consulate after Israel orders closure

Britain and Israel have reached a last-minute agreement to downscale and rename the nearly 200-year-old British diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, avoiding its complete closure. The compromise follows an order by Israel to shut down the consulate amid a diplomatic dispute concerning sanctions on West Bank settlements.

Despite the closure of its traditional functions, the British government stated that the mission will continue to operate at a reduced capacity to provide vital services.