The Zionist Federation of Australia is deeply disappointed at the Australian Government’s decision to reverse its recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “The decision by the Albanese Government to reverse Australia’s recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is deeply disappointing and counterproductive to achieving the Government’s objective of a two-state solution. Every other sovereign country is allowed to determine the location of its capital. Israel should be treated no differently. When the previous government recognised West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, it was recognising the reality on the ground – something that every Australian Government in effect acknowledges when they visit the Prime Minister of Israel and the Knesset in Jerusalem. Every single proposal to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has West Jerusalem remaining the capital of Israel. Recognising this does not in any way pre-determine the outcome of negotiations”.
Mr Leibler continued, “The decision today has been welcomed by Hamas – an organisation designated by the Australian Government as a terrorist organisation. That alone should cause the Albanese Government to reflect on this decision. Sadly, in making this decision, the Albanese Government is holding the State of Israel to a different standard to any other sovereign nation and doing so will reward those who refuse to recognise the reality on the ground and negotiate a much-needed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”.
Mr Leibler concluded, “The timing and process in announcing this decision has sent a very unfortunate message to Israel, a close and important ally of Australia and will cause deep upset within the Australian Jewish community”.
