Arafat Hasan of DOT
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed that his government will officially recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
However, he added that Australia’s embassy would not move from Tel Aviv until a ‘peace settlement’ was achieved.
Nevertheless, Australia also recognized the aspirations of Palestinian people to a state with a capital in East Jerusalem.
The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contested issues between Israel and the Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Opposition Labor party leader Bill Shorten reacted to the announcement saying that he would reverse the decision if he won next year’s elections.
Morrison’s announcement comes a year after a decision by US President Donald Trump when he reversed decades of American foreign policy by recognizing the ancient city as Israel’s capital – a move that drew intense international criticism. The following May, the US embassy was relocated from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Morrison’s announcement was made reportedly after a period of consultation with politicians in Australia and allies abroad.
“Australia now recognizes West Jerusalem, being the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government, is the capital of Israel,” said Morrison, speaking in Sydney on Saturday, adding that in the interim Australia would set up a defence and trade office in West Jerusalem.
“We look forward to moving our embassy to West Jerusalem when practical… and after final status determination.”
-Source: BBC