Australia Reverses Trump-Era Recognition Of West Jerusalem As Israel's Capital

Australia on Tuesday made a U-turn and said it will no longer recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, reversing the decision taken by the previous government in 2018.

What Happened: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, during a media briefing, said the issue should be resolved as part of peace talks between Israel and Palestine.

“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,” Wong said in a statement.

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"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," she added.

"We will not support an approach that undermines this prospect."

Following the announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid sharply criticized Australia’s decision, describing the move as a “hasty response.” “Jerusalem is the eternal and united capital of Israel, and nothing will ever change that,” the Israeli prime minister said in a statement.

Earlier in 2018, former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s conservative coalition government formally recognized West Jerusalem as Israel's capital, following an announcement made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

In 2017, Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. He also announced plans to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, reversing nearly seven decades of American foreign policy.

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