Albanian government to reverse Scott Morrison’s decision to recognize West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital – calling his announcement a ‘cynical’ ploy to win votes
Australia will recognize Tel Aviv as Israel’s capital rather than West Jerusalem
The move reverses a Morrison government decision made in 2018
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Jerusalem is a contested city in negotiations
She accused the Morrison government of making their decision to win elections
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The Albanian government has reversed its predecessor’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
In her announcement, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Jerusalem’s status as a city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians meant Australia would return to recognizing Tel Aviv as Israel’s capital.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced that the Morrison government’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital will be reversed.
Wong accused the former Morrison government of switching recognition to Jerusalem in a bid to win votes in the Sydney eastern suburbs seat of Wentworth, which has a large Jewish population.
“This was a cynical game, failed, to win the seat of Wentworth and a by-election,” Wong said.
‘For that reason, I made clear at the time, we reaffirmed our view that Jerusalem is a final status issue.
‘What do those words mean? This means that it must be resolved through negotiation between the parties.’
Wong said the 2018 decision “put Australia out of step with the majority of the international community and it was received with great concern”.
Australia’s embassy “has always been and will remain in Tel Aviv”, Ms Wong said.
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