Australia reportedly readying to recognize Jerusalem

Australia’s Morrison government is expect­ed to formally recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

By World Israel News Staff

Australia’s Morrison government is expect­ed to formally recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital following a cabinet meeting Tuesday, according to The Australian news site.

Australia’s Conservatives website heralded the decision as “another great result for the Conservative Party which has been running a petition for recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital,” reported it was “unclear” if the government would only recognize the western part of Jerusalem or settle on a broader definition. .

A decision on moving Australia’s embassy from Tel Aviv may be delayed, however, the site reported.

On October 15, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed the possibility of moving the embassy in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I’m very thankful to him for this. We will continue to strengthen ties between Israel and Australia,” Netanyahu tweeted.

Morrison received criticism from Palestinians and several Muslim countries, with Indonesia reportedly warning that if Australia moved its embassy to Jerusalem it could harm trade negotiations between the two countries.

If Australia moved its embassy it would join a growing list of countries that have done so, starting with the United States in May.

The Conservatives website said, “Conservative Party leader Cory Bernardi has told Paul Murray Live on Sky News the embassy move makes sense.”