The federal opposition has accused Scott Morrison of “desperation” after the prime minister confirmed he’s considering moving Australia’s embassy in Israel.
Mr Morrison could follow US President Donald Trump’s lead and relocate the embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.
He has also announced an inquiry into support for the Iran nuclear deal and confirmed Australia would this week vote against the Palestinian Authority chairing a UN group.
“As a new prime minister, I believed it was important to ensure that Australians and others had a much clearer picture of my broader position on these issues raised in relation to the Middle East,” he told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.
The prime minister insisted Australia remained committed to a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
“Australia’s position on this issue has, to date, assumed that it is not possible to consider the question of the recognition of Israel’s capital in Jerusalem and that be consistent with pursuing a two-state solution,” he said.
“You can achieve both and indeed by pursuing both you are actually aiding the cause for a two-state solution.”
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