Australia officially reverses decision not to recognize West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

Australia’s government announced this week it has officially reversed its 2018 decision to recognize West Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong released a statement on Wednesday changing the country’s formal recognition of the Israeli capital back to Tel Aviv, after recognizing Jerusalem when former US president Donald Trump declared the United States was changing its formal recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city.

“Today the Government has reaffirmed Australia’s previous and longstanding position that Jerusalem is a final status issue that should be resolved as part of any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people,” the statement reads.

“This reverses the Morrison Government’s recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Australia’s embassy has always been, and remains, in Tel Aviv.”

The statement also recommits Australia to an alliance with Israel. “Australia will always be a steadfast friend of Israel. We were among the first countries to formally recognise Israel under Labor Prime Minister Ben Chifley. This Government will not waver in its support of Israel and the Jewish community in Australia,” the statement said.

The Prime Minister of Israel, Yair Lapid, responded to the decision saying, “Jerusalem is the eternal undivided capital of Israel and nothing will change that.” The Israeli Foreign Ministry is likely to schedule a meeting with Australian officials to dispute the change.