Australia Officially Recognizes West Jerusalem as Israel's Capital
DIPLOMACY
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement on Saturday.
REUTERS
Australia’s prime minister Scott Morrison said Saturday that his country’s government now views West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, CNN reports. During a speech at the Sydney Institute, Morrison said “The government has resolved that Australia's position is now as follows: Australia now recognizes West Jerusalem as being the seat of the Knesset [Israeli parliament] ... West Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.” Morrison said that Australia’s embassy won't relocate immediately from Tel Aviv, but his administration is in the beginning states of identifying a suitable site in West Jerusalem. Australia, Morrison explained, still plans on recognizing “the aspirations of Palestinians people for a future state with its capital in East Jerusalem.” Morrison’s announcement comes in contrast to President Trump’s view of Jerusalem. During Trump's announcement that the U.S. recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and planned to move the embassy there, Trump didn’t differentiate between East and West segments of the city.
