Israel said on Thursday that the British Consulate in east Jerusalem has “ceased to function” in that capacity and that 20 staffers would leave the country, the latest in what has been the biggest diplomatic friction between the close allies in decades.
Britain said the building would continue to deliver “vital services” and work with Palestinians, and that it would not retaliate by expelling Israeli diplomats as it seeks to rebuild its staff. The sign outside the consulate was taken down.
