List of consulates-general in Jerusalem

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Consulates-General in Jerusalem

Currently, eight countries maintain consulates-generalin Jerusalem: Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. The Consulate General of the United States in Jerusalem was merged into the Embassy of the United States in 2018. [1] To this list, one usually includes the Vatican (Holy See), which maintains an "Apostolic Delegation to Jerusalem and Palestine" in Jerusalem. [2]

Contents

Some consulates-general in Jerusalem have jurisdiction over the Palestinian territories (the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip), and their heads act as representatives to The Palestinian Authority. [3] [4]

These consulates are not diplomatic missions to Israel: the countries possessing consulates-general in Jerusalem maintain their embassies to Israel in Tel Aviv, and it is their ambassador in Tel Aviv that presents letters of credence to the president of Israel.

History

Having consulates-general in Jerusalem not accredited to any foreign government is a result of the unresolved issue of the status of Jerusalem. Under the United Nations Partition Plan of 1947, Jerusalem was to become a corpus separatum under international control, separate from both the Jewish state and the Arab one whose creation the partition plan envisaged; that would have logically entailed various countries having a separate diplomatic representation in Jerusalem. While the corpus separatum idea was never implemented, the status of Jerusalem remains disputed and unresolved. The international community never recognized the declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 1949 or the annexation of East Jerusalem to Israel in 1967. Thus, the anomalous Jerusalem consulates serve as a convenient way for various countries to have a diplomatic presence in the city without recognizing such Israeli "accomplished facts".

The United States maintained a consulate general in Jerusalem between 1844 and 2019, which was also responsible for conducting relations with Palestinians. After the United States relocated its Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2018, the consulate general was formally merged into the US Embassy in early 2019, ending the US practice of accrediting separate missions to the Israelis and Palestinians. Most of its former responsibilities were assumed by a new Palestinian Affairs Unit which now works inside the embassy in Jerusalem. [1] [5]

List of missions

All countries with consulates-general in Jerusalem include the contacts with the Palestinian National Authority in the consulate-general's responsibilities. All countries with consulates-general in Jerusalem have separate embassies in Tel Aviv that are accredited to Israel.

Several more countries are represented by Jerusalem-based honorary consuls. [30]

Former missions

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Status of Jerusalem</span> Legal and diplomatic status

The status of Jerusalem has been described as "one of the most intractable issues in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict" due to the long-running territorial dispute between Israel and the Palestinians, both of which claim it as their capital city. Part of this issue of sovereignty is tied to concerns over access to holy sites in the Abrahamic religions; the current religious environment in Jerusalem is upheld by the "Status Quo" of the former Ottoman Empire. As the Israeli–Palestinian peace process has primarily navigated the option of a two-state solution, one of the largest points of contention has been East Jerusalem, which was part of the Jordanian-annexed West Bank until the beginning of the Israeli occupation in 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corpus separatum (Jerusalem)</span> 1947 United Nations proposal for international administration of Jerusalem

Corpus separatum was the internationalization proposal for Jerusalem and its surrounding area as part of the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly with a two-thirds majority in November 1947. According to the Partition Plan, the city of Jerusalem would be brought under international governance, conferring it a special status due to its shared importance for the Abrahamic religions. The legal base ("Statute") for this arrangement was to be reviewed after ten years and put to a referendum. The corpus separatum was again one of the main issues of the post-war Lausanne Conference of 1949, besides the borders of Israel and the question of the Palestinian right of return.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerusalem Embassy Act</span> United States law

The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 is a public law of the United States passed by the 104th Congress on October 23, 1995. The proposed law was adopted by the Senate (93–5), and the House (374–37). The Act became law without a presidential signature on November 8, 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel–United Kingdom relations</span> Bilateral relations

Israel–United Kingdom relations, or Anglo-Israeli relations, are the diplomatic and commercial ties between the United Kingdom and Israel. The British embassy to Israel is located in Tel Aviv. The UK has an honorary consul in Eilat and a non-accredited consulate-general in Jerusalem, that represents the United Kingdom in that city and the Palestinian territories. Israel has three representative offices in the United Kingdom: an Embassy located in London and consulates in Cardiff and Glasgow. As of 2023 trade exceeded 6.1 billion British pounds. Israel and the UK engage together in scientific research, defence and the development of new technologies, with the UK seeking to tap into Israel's considerable high technology sector through local British initiatives. The UK since 2011 has sought to partner British companies with Israeli advanced technology companies. The UK Israeli cooperation has generated £1.2 billion as well as 16,000 British jobs of 250 such partnerships. The United Kingdom and Israel are currently negotiating renewing a free trade agreement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palestine–Vatican City relations</span> Bilateral relations

The Holy See and Palestine established formal diplomatic relations in 2015 through the mutual signing of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine. In 2017, a Palestinian embassy to the Holy See was opened.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Consulate General of the United States, Jerusalem</span> American diplomatic mission to the Palestinians

The Consulate General of the United States in Jerusalem was a diplomatic mission of the United States of America that provided consular services to Palestinian residents in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. It was not accredited to any government. In May 2018, the United States relocated its Tel Aviv embassy to Jerusalem, and in mid-October 2018, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the consulate general would be merged with the new US Embassy in Jerusalem and that relations with the Palestinians would be conducted through a special Palestinian Affairs Unit inside the embassy. On 4 March 2019, the consulate general was merged into the US Embassy and formally ceased operations. In May 2021, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Washington will reopen the consulate, without specifying a date. In September 2021, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh called on the US administration to speed up the reopening of the consulate general in Jerusalem to handle direct contacts with the Palestinians.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel–Spain relations</span> Bilateral relations

Israel and Spain have maintained diplomatic ties since 1986. Israel has an embassy in Madrid. Spain has an embassy in Tel Aviv, and an honorary consulate in Haifa. There is also a General Consulate in Jerusalem, which serves as a diplomatic mission to the city of Jerusalem, Gaza and the territories of the West Bank. In addition to both countries being member states of the United Nations, both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palestine–United Kingdom relations</span> Bilateral relations

The United Kingdom does not recognise Palestine as a state. The UK has a non-accredited Consulate General in Jerusalem that "represents the UK government in Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza", and works on "political, commercial, security and economic interests between the UK and the Palestinian territories". Husam Zomlot became head of the Palestine Mission to the United Kingdom in 2018. The State of Palestine was represented in London by Manuel Hassassian, the Palestinian General Delegate to the United Kingdom between 2005 and 2018. Another former Palestinian General Delegate to the UK was Afif Safieh, who began in that role in 1990. The UK House of Commons voted in favor of recognizing Palestine as a state in 2014, as a contribution towards achieving a negotiated two-state solution. However, the UK government maintained its policy of reserving the right to recognize Palestine bilaterally at a more opportune time for peace efforts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Consulate General of France, Jerusalem</span> Consular representation of the French Republic in the State of Palestine

The Consulate General of France in Jerusalem is the consulate general of France in Jerusalem. The consulate general provides services to Palestinians and maintains contact with Palestinian authorities. The consulate is located near the Old City of Jerusalem, on Paul Emile Botta Street, named after French archaeologist Paul-Émile Botta

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palestine–United States relations</span> Bilateral relations

Political relations between the State of Palestine and the United States have been complex and strained since the 1960s. While the U.S. does not recognize the State of Palestine, it recognizes the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative entity for the Palestinian people; following the Oslo Accords, it recognized the Palestinian National Authority as the legitimate Palestinian government of the Palestinian territories.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the United Kingdom, Tel Aviv</span> Diplomatic mission

The Embassy of the United Kingdom is located in Tel Aviv. It is the chief diplomatic mission of the United Kingdom in Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel</span>

On December 6, 2017, the United States of America officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital city of the State of Israel. American president Donald Trump, who signed the presidential proclamation, also ordered the relocation of the American diplomatic mission to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, constituting what is now the Embassy of the United States in Jerusalem, which was established on the grounds of the former Consulate General of the United States in Jerusalem. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the decision and praised the announcement by the Trump administration. On December 8, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson clarified that Trump's statement "did not indicate any final status for Jerusalem" and "was very clear that the final status, including the borders, would be left to the two parties to negotiate and decide" in reference to the recognition's impact on the Israeli–Palestinian peace process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embassy of the United States, Jerusalem</span> Diplomatic mission of the United States in Israel

The Embassy of the United States of America in Jerusalem is the diplomatic mission of the United States of America to the State of Israel. It is located in Talpiot, a neighborhood in southeastern Jerusalem. In mid-October 2018, Mike Pompeo, the Secretary of State under the Trump administration, declared that the new embassy would be merging with the Consulate General, through which the United States had maintained diplomatic relations with the Palestinian Authority. Currently, all diplomacy between the United States and the Palestinians is conducted through the "Office of Palestine Affairs" inside of the American embassy for Israel.

The Consulate General of Sweden, Jerusalem is the diplomatic mission of Sweden in Jerusalem. Formally, its district is limited to the city of Jerusalem, but in practice, it handle matters outside the city, including in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The history of the Swedish consulate in Jerusalem dates back to 1901, when Herman Zethelius proposed its establishment due to the increasing Scandinavian presence in the city. Initially serving as an honorary consulate, it later became a vital hub for Swedish nationals and others seeking assistance in the region.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Palladino, Robert (4 March 2019). "Merger of U.S. Embassy Jerusalem and U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem". U.S. Embassy in Israel. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  2. ↑ Mochon, Jean-Philippe (1996). "Le Consul Général de France à Jérusalem ; aspects historiques, juridiques et politiques de ses fonctions". Annuaire Français de Droit International (in French). 42 (1): 937, note 10. doi:10.3406/afdi.1996.3421.
  3. 1 2 staff, T. O. I. "Turkey appoints ambassador to 'Palestine'". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2022-12-06.
  4. ↑ "The Consul General of Sweden in Jerusalem , Ms Jessica Olausson, presents her letter of introduction to the President of the State of Palestine, H.E. Dr.... | By Consulate General of Sweden in Jerusalem | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-09-16.
  5. ↑ Estrin, Daniel (1 March 2019). "As U.S. Jerusalem Consulate Shuts, Pro-Israel Envoy Takes On Palestinian Relations". National Public Radio . Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  6. ↑ "Consulate General of Belgium in Jerusalem". 23 March 2016. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
  7. ↑ "Palestinian territories". Archived from the original on 2010-12-26. Retrieved 2011-01-29.: "Belgian representation, ..., Location of the attaché: Jerusalem"
  8. ↑ "Belgian consulate jerusalem - Google Search".
  9. ↑ Republique Francaise. "Consulat Général de France à Jérusalem, Histoire". Archived from the original on 2011-07-25. Retrieved 2011-01-29.: "L’autonomie du Consulat général a également pour conséquence de luidonner un rôle inhabituel de représentation politique auprès des autorités palestiniennes. Avant même l’établissement de l’Autorité Palestinienne en 1994, le Consulat général menait, dans les Territoires occupés, une politique de coopération ..."
  10. ↑ "Home". jerusalem.consulfrance.org.
  11. ↑ "Consulate General of Greece in Jerusalem". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 2017-12-07.: "Consulate General in Jerusalem"
  12. ↑ "Israel - Contact details for Greek Missions". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
  13. ↑ "Contact - About Us". www.mfa.gr. Retrieved 2022-12-06.
  14. ↑ 1948: Established as Apostolic Delegation of Jerusalem and Palestine
  15. ↑ http://catholicchurch-holyland.com/?p=3203
  16. ↑ "Consulate General of Italy in Jerusalem". esteri.it. Retrieved 2011-01-29.: "Consulate General of Italy (West Jerusalem) ... Consulate General of Italy (East Jerusalem)"
  17. ↑ "Bilateral relations with the Countries of the Near East: Palestinian National Authority". esteri.it. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  18. ↑ "Consolato Generale - Gerusalemme".
  19. ↑ "Recomendaciones de viaje - TERRITORIOS PALESTINOS". maec.es. Archived from the original on 2010-11-04. Retrieved 2011-01-29.: "Representación de España - CONSULADO GENERAL EN JERUSALÉN"
  20. ↑ "Localización y contacto".
  21. ↑ "About the Consulate General". swedenabroad.com. Archived from the original on 2010-12-31. Retrieved 2011-01-29.: "The Consulate General also follows and reports about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process through contacts with the Palestinian Authority."
  22. ↑ "Consulate General of Sweden | SwedenAbroad". www.swedenabroad.com. Archived from the original on 2012-05-11.
  23. ↑ "The Consul General of Sweden in Jerusalem , Ms Jessica Olausson, presents her letter of introduction to the President of the State of Palestine, H.E. Dr.... | By Consulate General of Sweden in Jerusalem | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-09-16.
  24. ↑ "Consulate General of Turkey, Jerusalem, Palestine". mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 2011-01-29.: "Today, the jurisdiction of the Consulate General covers West Bank and Gaza Strip governed by the Palestinian National Authority. The city of Jerusalem with its surrounding areas as defined by the special status (corpus separatum) in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution No.181 in 1947, is also covered by the Consulate General."
  25. ↑ UK Foreign & Commonwealth office. "Jerusalem, British Consulate-General". fco.gov.uk. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  26. ↑ British Consulate-General Jerusalem. "UK in Jerusalem, About us". fco.gov.uk. Retrieved 2011-01-29.: "Other locations - Find more information about other offices for the British Consulate in Palestinian Territories - Gaza"
  27. ↑ British Consulate-General Jerusalem. "UK in Jerusalem, Other locations". fco.gov.uk. Retrieved 2011-01-29.: "The British Information & Services Office (BISO) in Gaza, is affiliated with the British Consulate General in Jerusalem."
  28. ↑ UK Foreign & Commonwealth office. "Occupied Palestine Territories, Gaza, British Information and Services Office". fco.gov.uk. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  29. ↑ British Consulate-General Jerusalem
  30. ↑ EmbassyPages.com: Embassies & Consulates in Jerusalem
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