On Saturday, the Australian government formally recognized “West Jerusalem” as Israel’s capital while at the same time clarifying that it has no intention of moving its embassy there from Tel Aviv. In his speech announcing the new policy, Prime Minister Scott Morrison also acknowledged “the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a future state with its capital in East Jerusalem.” Yaakov Ahimeir expresses his “reserved appreciation” for this ambivalent gesture:
Australia has [effectively] decided, even before negotiations with the Palestinians, that so-called “East Jerusalem” will be the capital of a Palestinian state, if one is established. This is a unilateral, premature determination, which should have been withheld until the sides properly negotiate the matter. . . .
If the Australian government recognizes only half of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, will Israel acknowledge this gesture, which predetermines the repartitioning of Jerusalem? I hope Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is appropriately questioning the move through the proper channels. The Netanyahu government should not accept a “half-recognition” of this sort. On the matter of Jerusalem . . . Israel’s government should insist on the united-city principle, under one sovereign country and beholden to one law enforced equally in both parts of the city. . . .
Morrison’s declaration has already reverberated near and far: . . . Indonesia and Malaysia will certainly scale back relations with Australia, the regional power. [Israelis] should express our reserved appreciation for the Australian gesture, but we also wish that it and many other countries one day recognize all of Jerusalem and move their embassies there.
Read more on Israel Hayom: http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/half-recognition-for-half-a-city/