The Morrison government is expected to formally recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s legitimate capital following a cabinet meeting today, but may delay the relocation of Australia’s embassy from Tel Aviv.
Senior government sources have confirmed a final decision was made by cabinet’s national security committee last night.
It is believed the option favoured by several cabinet ministers was a formal recognition of Jerusalem and a commitment to move the embassy at a later stage.
The decision will be ratified by cabinet today but is unlikely to be announced before tomorrow’s Council of Australian Governments meeting.
Sources confirmed that it was likely a consular office would be established in Jerusalem as a sign of support for Israel until the full embassy was relocated.
It is believed to have been discussed in length at last night’s meeting. A formal recognition could involve an executive order.
What is unclear is if it will recognise West Jerusalem as the capital, or a broader definition which recognised Jerusalem but without prejudice to future borders set in any peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. This is regarded as an important distinction, as any future border is likely to involve land swaps.
Read the report by Simon Benson and Primrose Riordan in The Australian.