Australia drops recognition of West Jerusalem as Israeli capital

Australia has ditched a decision made four years ago that recognised West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. 

The Aussie Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the decision made in 2018 had undermined peace and put Australia out of step with other nations. 

She said Australia remained a “steadfast friend” to Israel and said its embassy will stay in Tel Aviv. 

The status of Jerusalem is contested between Israel and the Palestinians. 

Former US president Donald Trump drew international criticism in 2017 when he reversed decades of American foreign policy by recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The US embassy was relocated from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018. 

Just months later, Australia’s PM Scott Morrison announced his country would follow suit. 

But Morrison was booted from office in an election this year. 

Wong called the former government’s decision a “cynical play” to win over Jewish voters ahead of the Aussie election.