Explained | Is Jerusalem recognised as the capital of Israel?

Israel considers “complete and united” Jerusalem as its capital. Palestinian officials are of the view that East Jerusalem should be the capital of the future State of Palestine.

The story so far: Australia has revoked itsrecognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the country’s foreign minister Penny Wong said on Tuesday.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison had formally recognised West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2018 following a similar move by then-U.S. President Donald Trump, although Australia’s embassy remained in Tel Aviv.

Israel considers “complete and united” Jerusalem as its capital. Palestinian officials are of the view that East Jerusalem should be the capital of the future State of Palestine.

Australia said that it remains committed to a two-State solution in which “Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders”. The country’s foreign ministry said that it will not support an approach that undermines this prospect.

The ministry also guaranteed its support to both Israel and Palestine. “We were among the first countries to formally recognise Israel under Labour Prime Minister Ben Chifley. This government will not waver in its support of Israel and the Jewish community in Australia. We are equally unwavering supporters of the Palestinian people, providing humanitarian support every year since 1951 and advocating for resumed peace negotiations,” it said in a press release.

The move was criticised by Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid. “We can only hope that the Australian government manages other matters more seriously and professionally,” he said.

Palestinian Authority’s Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the move by Australia as an “affirmation” that Jerusalem’s status depends on the final status of talks.