Australia drops recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital

Australia has reversed a previous government's recognition of west Jerusalem as Israel's capital, the foreign minister said Tuesday, prompting consternation from Israel.

The center-left Labor Party government agreed to again recognize Tel Aviv as the capital. The Cabinet also reaffirmed that Jerusalem's status must be resolved in peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.

Australia remained committed to a two-party solution to the , and "we will not support an approach that undermines this prospect," Wong said.

Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid expressed disappointment in Australia's changed position.

"Jerusalem is the eternal undivided capital of Israel and nothing will change that," Lapid said in a statement.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said it will summon the Australian ambassador over the issue.

Senior Palestinian official Hussein Al-Sheikh said he welcomed Australia's decision "and its affirmation that the future of sovereignty over Jerusalem depends on the permanent solution based on international legitimacy."