Israel-Britain ties hit new low as Jerusalem consulate loses diplomatic status

A view of the British consulate with signage removed, on the deadline set by Israel for its closure. (Reuters photo) The diplomatic relationship between Britain and Israel has suffered a fresh setback after Israel said the British Consulate in east Jerusalem would no longer function as a consulate, with 20 British diplomats, including the consul general, set to leave the country.Britain, however, said the building would remain open and continue to provide services, with a smaller diplomatic team working from the site. The move marks the latest deterioration in ties between the two long-standing allies.Britain to retain smaller diplomatic presenceIsraeli foreign minister Gideon Saar said the consulate would continue operating with a seven-member diplomatic “task force” and a “very limited” scope of activity.“Israel will no longer turn its cheek to diplomatic attacks against it," Saar said in a statement to news agency Reuters.The sign outside the consulate was removed, but British officials said the building would remain open. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said it would now “be known as the UK Mission, Jerusalem” following discussions with the Israeli government.A small team...