Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong justified her country’s reversal of its 2018 decision to recognize “West” Jerusalem as Israel’s capital by claiming that Jerusalem’s “status” needed to be resolved in negotiations.
The problem with this is that Australia’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital clearly mentioned “West” Jerusalem as its capital. This part of Jerusalem is where the Knesset sits and its Prime Minister and President are situated. It is clearly within the internationally recognized 1967 boundaries.
So does that mean Australia does not even recognize Israel’s right to its pre1967 boundaries?
Israel’s government woke up after Australia changed its stance and summoned Australia’s ambassador to Jerusalem for a dressing down. Even members of Australia’s coalition complained that its government should not have reversed its country’s policy.
Unfortunately, Australia’s change of policy reflects the weak international standing Israel’s current leftwing government has brought it down to. In two weeks Israelis have the ability to change course, before it’s too late.