Australia Rethinks Jerusalem: New Leaders Turn Back the Clock
On Tuesday, the newly elected Australian government pulled a political quick‑flip, undoing Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s 2018 declaration that West Jerusalem is Israel’s capital. The shift comes amid a commitment to push for a peaceful resolution through dialogue between Israel and Palestine.
Key Takeaways
- Two‑State Commitment – Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong re‑affirms Australia’s support for a future Palestinian state sharing borders with Israel, aiming for lasting peace.
- Embassy Status Stalled – Despite acknowledging Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Australia will not immediately move its embassy from Tel Aviv, keeping Canberra and Tel Aviv “non‑competitive” stops.
- International Alignment Re‑established – The new government aligns Australia back with the majority of the global community, countering the isolation that greeted Morrison’s 2018 move.
“I regret that Mr. Morrison’s political gambit caused unnecessary confusion and hurt among Australians who care deeply about this issue,” Wong said, adding that his decision had sidelined Australia on the world stage and raised concerns in Muslim‑majority Indonesia.
What Spurred the Change?
Skeptics pointed to the timing of the 2018 embassy shift—just days before a key by‑election in a Sydney district with a substantial Jewish electorate. The party still lost, and policymakers realised the policy was a political misstep rather than a sustainable diplomatic stance.
The New Administration’s Stance
Anthony Albanese’s Cabinet announced the reversal on Tuesday, returning the foreign affairs website’s phrasing to a neutral stance and officially closing Canberra’s Jerusalem embassy‑messaging committee. Israel’s embassy in Australia, however, remains silent on the new development.
Overall Impact
With this move, Australia shifts back into the “majority view,” signaling its willingness to mend ties with Middle Eastern allies, support a balanced two‑state solution, and keep diplomatic flexibility in the realm of international law.
