UK says Israel has no legal authority to close Jerusalem consulate

Foreign Secretary Miliband says Britain will retain a presence in occupied East Jerusalem despite Israel’s move to close its consulate. “We have been clear that we do not accept that the Government of Israel has the legal right to close the British Consulate General in Jerusalem, which has been there for nearly 200 years,” he said in a statement. The UK will rename the premises a “UK mission” as it negotiates with Israel over its future operations. “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. Israeli Foreign Minister Saar earlier announced the consulate’s closure, saying Israel would permit just seven staff members to work in the building.