British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem
will not close but will be renamed the UK Mission and will continue to operate
independently and provide services to Palestinians. Israel had earlier demanded
the consulate's closure after the UK announced plans to impose sanctions on
Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Miliband said the UK has already withdrawn
some staff and dependents in recent weeks and will begin gradually restoring
local staffing, and that it will not take reciprocal measures against Israel
while negotiations continue. Earlier reports said the UK may expel some Israeli
diplomats.
