Back to the future: Labor overturns coalition’s Israel stance
The Albanese government has reversed a decision by the previous coalition government to recognise West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong. (AAP Image/Matt Turner)
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the conflict between Israel and Palestine should be resolved through peace negotiations between the two.
Both Israel and Palestine claim Jerusalem as their capital.
Wong said Jerusalem remains a final-status issue, meaning its status is subject to the peace negotiations.
She described the move to recognise West Jerusalem by former prime minister Scott Morrison as purely political.
“The 2018 decision put Australia out of step with the majority of the international community and it was received with great concern,” she said on Tuesday.
“This was a cynical play, unsuccessfully, to win the seat of Wentworth at a by-election.”
She said Australia’s embassy “has always been, and remains, in Tel Aviv”.
