Australia recognizes West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel

Australia has recognized Saturday West Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Israel, but will not transfer its embassy until the final status of the city has been determined.

"Australia recognizes West Jerusalem, where the Knesset and many government institutions, such as the capital of Israel, are located," said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"We look forward to transferring our embassy when it is feasible," he continued, speaking to the press in Sydney. He specified that commercial and defense representations would be open there.

The head of government also said that East Jerusalem should become the capital of a Palestinian state.

Almost two months ago, Scott Morrison said he did not rule out recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, as did the United States in December 2017. The US embassy was transferred there on May 14 last, what the Palestinian Authority and the European Union condemned.