Australia reverses its decision to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Australia has reversed a four-year-old decision to recognize West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the 2018 decision jeopardized peace and “put Australia at odds with the majority of the international community.”

She emphasized that Australia remained Israel’s “steadfast friend.” The embassy will remain in Tel Aviv.

The Israeli government slammed the U-turn as short-sighted and deeply disappointing, summoning Australia’s ambassador.

“In light of how this decision was made in Australia, as a hasty response to an incorrect media report,” Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said in a statement.

“Jerusalem is Israel’s eternal and united capital, and nothing can change that.”

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, on the other hand, praised the “wise and courageous decision,” saying it demonstrated “Australia’s respect and alignment with the values of truth, justice, and freedom, as well as the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, sanctioned by international legitimacy.”

The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In December 2017, then-US President Donald Trump drew international condemnation when he reversed decades of American foreign policy by recognizing the ancient city as Israel’s capital. In May 2018, the US Embassy was relocated from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Australia’s then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced months later that his government would follow suit.

Mr. Morrison stated that Australia would recognize West Jerusalem immediately but would not relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv until a peace agreement was reached.