Prime Minister Yair Lapid criticized Australia Tuesday for dropping its recognition of west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
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Canberra reversed on Monday a decision of the previous government, saying the status of the city should be resolved through peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.
"Given how the decision was made in Australia, as a hasty response to incorrect news in the media, we can only hope that the Australian government manages other matters more seriously and professionally," Lapid said in a statement, adding that "Jerusalem is the eternal capital of united Israel and nothing will ever change that."
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion also lamented the announcement, saying that "statements of this type do not further anything and do not contribute at all."
Previous Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had reversed decades of Middle East policy in December 2018 by saying Australia recognized west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. It did not, however, move the location of its embassy to Jerusalem.
Penny Wong, who serves as Australia's foreign minister, said the decision stemmed from the country's support for the two-state solution.
Australia "will always be a steadfast friend of Israel" and was committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist in peace within internationally recognized borders, she said, adding that the government "recommits Australia to international efforts in the responsible pursuit of progress towards a just and enduring two-state solution."
The Foreign Ministry announced that it would summon Australia's ambassador over the issue.
The Palestinian Authority, however, welcomed the move, saying "Australia's decision with regards to Jerusalem and its call for a two-state solution in accordance with international legitimacy."
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