Would an Embassy Move to Jerusalem Break International Law?
In general, following in the footsteps of Donald Trump is a sure sign that you are on the wrong side of history. Nevertheless the UK looks like it might just do that as Liz Truss continues to suggest that that the British embassy in Israel could move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
This might, on paper, look like a minor administrative decision but the contested status of Jerusalem means that such a move would undoubtedly be controversial and also a potential breach of international law.
The actual provision that the UK might be in breach of is Article 41(2) of the Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts which states:
“No State shall recognize as lawful a situation created by a serious breach [of jus cogens] nor render aid or assistance in maintaining that situation.”