Australia abandons recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
Australia announced on Tuesday it would no longer recognize West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reversing a decision by the previous Conservative government.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Sydney on October 12, 2022.
AFP
Australian Foreign Minister Benny Wong said the issue of Jerusalem’s status should be resolved through peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian people and not through unilateral decisions. “We will not support an approach that undermines that opportunity,” he said, adding, “The Australian embassy has always been in Tel Aviv and still is.”
Scott Morrison’s previous Conservative government came under fire in 2018 when it announced it would recognize West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. He made this announcement following a similar decision by US President Donald Trump.
“Conflicts and Confusions”
“I know this has caused controversy and confusion within a section of the Australian community and today the government is looking to address this,” Penny Wong said on Tuesday. He accused his predecessor’s government at the time of making the decision to try to win a crucial by-election in a Sydney suburb with a large Jewish community. “You know what? Winning Wentworth’s seat and the by-election is a cynical, losing game.
The 2018 decision also temporarily derailed a free trade agreement in neighboring Indonesia — the world’s most Muslim country.
Jerusalem is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians. Most foreign countries avoid setting up embassies there for fear of prejudging peace talks about the final status of the city.
AFP
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