Ahead of the prime minister’s speech on international relations, SBS News spoke to a Middle East expert about why the move would be seen by some as controversial.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed his government will formally recognise west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
However, Australia won’t move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to West Jerusalem until the city’s status is finalised under a peace settlement.
The government first floated the idea of an embassy move in October and it has since attracted both support and protest.
Mr Morrison also used Saturday’s speech to commit to recognising a future state of Palestine, with its capital in East Jerusalem, after a settlement has been reached on a two-state solution.
Read the report by Nick Baker and watch the video on SBS TV News.