The British are not backing down from their intention to pursue sanctions, a process that will take 6–9 months, which is why the consulate was closed.

The change is that, in exchange for allowing a handful of diplomats to remain in the building and downgrading the British diplomatic presence in Jerusalem, the expulsion of Israeli diplomats from London will be canceled, and talks will take place.

The British hope that a new government will restore the consulate to its previous status.