The Albanese government has ignited a diplomatic furore with Israel over a snap cabinet decision to abandon the policy of recognising West Jerusalem as the country’s capital, after a bungle by the Department of Foreign Affairs threw Australia’s official position into doubt.
The Australian has confirmed the Israeli embassy in Canberra was blindsided by the move, prompting an angry response from Prime Minister Yair Lapid and calling into question Australia’s treatment of a close ally.
It also sparked condemnation from Australia’s Jewish community amid accusations that the rushed announcement – made without consultation and coming on an official Jewish religious holiday – had damaged Australia’s foreign policy credibility.
Mr Lapid attacked the Albanese government’s “hasty response”. “In light of the way this decision was made in Australia, as a hasty response to an incorrect report in the media, we can only hope that the Australian government manages other matters more seriously and professionally,” the Prime Minister said.
“Jerusalem is the eternal and united capital of Israel and nothing will ever change that.”
The decision caused ructions within the Labor caucus, with Victorian Labor MP Josh Burns lashing out against the move.
“I am disappointed by this decision,” Mr Burns told The Australian. “Israel has designated its capital as Jerusalem. It’s where its government buildings are and where its parliament sits. Capital cities are sovereign decisions for countries.”
Read the article by Simon Benson in The Australian.