The standoff that has played out between Jerusalem and London over recent months reached a calm this morning with a compromise deal: a diplomatic mission will remain in Jerusalem, and in return, Israeli diplomats will not be expelled from England.

The confrontation began with Britain’s recognition of a Palestinian state, followed by sanctions against businesses and individuals in Judea and Samaria and against political figures.

Following that decision, Israel’s Foreign Minister announced last month that, with the Prime Minister’s approval, he had decided to close the British Consulate in Jerusalem and expel all of the diplomats working there.

Britain’s response was not long in coming, with London recently announcing the expulsion of Israeli diplomats in response to the Israeli government’s moves.

This morning, however, the sides reached understandings to calm the ongoing dispute. The consulate in Jerusalem is indeed closing in its current form. The sign has already been removed and its consular status has been revoked. In practice, though, Israel is allowing the British to keep a reduced diplomatic mission at the site under a different name.

Of the consulate’s 27 staff members, 20 will leave Israel. Seven diplomats will stay and continue operating under the name UK Mission.

The compromise comes as part of the continuing dialogue between Jerusalem and London, aimed in part at preventing an escalation of British measures against Israel, including possible sanctions.