Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that the country recognizes West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and is now starting a search for a suitable location for a trade office within the city.
“We look forward to moving our Embassy to West Jerusalem when practical, in support of, and after the final status determination,” Morrison said. He reiterated Australia’s support for a two-state solution and recognized “the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a future state with its capital in East Jerusalem.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the announcement “a step in the right direction.” Israel considers the entire city of Jerusalem — both West Jerusalem, which is predominantly Jewish, and East Jerusalem, which is predominantly Arab — to be its capital.
Under Morrison’s leadership, Australia opposed six UN General Assembly resolutions targeting Israel in the past six months.
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