Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel warning for travellers heading to Indonesia after the Prime Minister confirmed Australia will recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Scott Morrison announced on Saturday that the Australian government will recognise West Jerusalem as the capital, but would not immediately move its embassy from Tel Aviv.
Mr Morrison announced the foreign policy shift during a speech in Sydney on Saturday, arguing it was a “balanced” and “measured” position.
“Australia now recognises West Jerusalem, being the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government, is the capital of Israel,” Mr Morrison said.
Mr Morrison said the government will recognise East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital only after a settlement has been reached on a two-state solution, and the Australian embassy won’t be moved from Tel Aviv to West Jerusalem until such a time, but a trade and defence office would be established in West Jerusalem.
“Furthermore, recognising our commitment to a two-state solution, the Australian government has also resolved to acknowledge the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a future state with its capital in East Jerusalem.
“We look forward moving to our embassy to West Jerusalem when practical, in support of and after, final status determination.”
Read the article in The New Daily.