JERUSALEM: Australia announced on Tuesday it would reverse a controversial decision made by the previous conservative government and no longer recognize West Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

According to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the status of the city should be decided through negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and not through executive orders.

She continued, "We will not support a strategy that undermines the two-state solution. The Embassy of Australia has always been in Tel Aviv, and always will be.

Also Read: UAE and WHO sign a $25 million agreement to support an East Jerusalem hospital

A conservative Australian government under Scott Morrison adopted Donald Trump's policy in 2018 and designated West Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The action triggered a domestic backlash in Australia and strained relations with Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population, temporarily delaying the implementation of a free trade agreement.

Both Israel and Palestine claim Jerusalem, and most other nations do not formally recognize it as the capital of any state.
Wong said the government was trying to end the conflict and crisis that has arisen among some Australians.

Also Read: Houthis are to blame for the deaths of over 18 children who were given expired chemotherapy

She insisted that the Morrison administration was motivated by a by-election in a Sydney suburb with a significant Jewish population.

You know what it was. It was a cunning attempt to win the Wentworth seat and by-election, but it was unsuccessful.

On Tuesday, this decision of Australia was strongly criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid.
We can only hope that the Australian government handles other matters more seriously and professionally, Lapid said, calling the action a "hasty response".

In May 2022, the centre-left Labor Party took office, installing Wong as foreign minister and Anthony Albanese as prime minister.
Wong insisted that there was no anti-Israeli sentiment behind the election.

Australia will always be a trusted ally of Israel. We were one of the first nations to formally recognize Israel, he said.
“We stand firm in our support for Israel and the Australian Jewish community. Our support for the Palestinian people, including humanitarian support, is also unwavering.

Also Read: Saudi Hajj Minister and the Egyptian Interior Minister talk about organising the Hajj season

During the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel occupied Arab East Jerusalem and later annexed it, claiming the entire city as its "eternal and indivisible capital".

The eastern region is where Palestinians want to establish the capital of their future state.