On Tuesday, October 18, Australia revoked its recognition of west Jerusalem as Israel‘s capital. The choice represents a reversal of the action taken by the previous administration. Australia stated on Tuesday that a solution should be found as part of negotiations for peace between Israel and Palestine.
Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist
“Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said during a media briefing. “We will not support an approach that undermines this prospect.”
In 2018, the conservative Scott Morrison-led government in Australia formally recognized west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The choice had altered Middle East strategy for many years.
“I know this has caused conflict and distress in part of the Australian community, and today the government seeks to resolve that,” Wong said Tuesday. She asserted that the Morrison administration was driven by a significant by-election in a Sydney neighborhood with a strong Jewish population.
“You know what this was? This was a cynical play, unsuccessful, to win the seat of Wentworth and a by-election.”
Israelis and Palestinians both claim Jerusalem
Additionally, the 2018 ruling had strained ties between Australia and Indonesia’s neighbor. It is the most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world. The two nations’ free trade agreement was momentarily put on hold.
Israelis and Palestinians both claim Jerusalem. For fear of influencing peace negotiations about the city’s ultimate status, most foreign countries avoid setting up embassies in the city.