Australia recognizes West Jerusalem as Israel's capital
Al-Anbat – Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday announced that his country recognizes West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, but said it will not move its embassy from Tel Aviv before a political settlement to the conflict is reached.
"Australia now recognizes West Jerusalem, as the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government, is the capital of Israel," Morrison said in a speech in Sydney.
"We look forward to moving our embassy to West Jerusalem when practical, in support of and after final status of determination," Morrison was quoted as saying, adding that work on a new site for the embassy was under way.
He stressed Australia's commitment to a two-state solution, and said his government would recognize the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a future state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
"It is in Australia's interest to support liberal democracy in the Middle East," he said, criticizing the United Nations, which he said was "a place where Israel was bullied."
