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Australia undecided on Israel embassy move to Jerusalem

October 17, 2018 at 11:59 am

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison [Wikipedia]

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told Parliament that no firm decision has yet been made on moving his country’s embassy from Tel Aviv to the city of Jerusalem.

The prime minister made his remarks only hours after saying that Australia might consider recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving its embassy from Tel Aviv, following in the footsteps of the US.

However, following domestic backlash, Morrison told Parliament that he wants to consult with regional leaders and allies before “the government forms a particular view on this issue”.

READ: Australia considers recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

Australian officials accused Morrison of ditching 70 years of Australian foreign policy, amid reports that Indonesia has threatened to suspend an upcoming bilateral trade agreement over the Australian move.

Earlier yesterday, Morrison told reporters that he was “open-minded” to “sensible proposals” to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel while staying committed to a two-state solution.

US embassy might be moved to Jerusalem – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]