Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed Tuesday that Canberra has reversed its recognition of west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
“Jerusalem is a final status issue that should be resolved as part of any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people,” Wong said in a statement.
Wong held a media briefing shortly after releasing the statement, saying that Australia was committed to a two-state solution in which “Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, and within internationally recognized borders.”
She said that Australia would not support an approach that undermined the prospect, adding: “Australia’s Embassy has always been, and remains, in Tel Aviv.”
Wong also said Canberra would always be “a steadfast friend of Israel,” continuing on to say they were “the first countries to formally recognize Israel.”
“We will not waver in our support of Israel and the Jewish community in Australia. We are equally unwavering in our support of the Palestinian people, including humanitarian support,” she added.
