Wong reverses Morrison's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital

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Wong reiterated Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist.

“We will not support an approach that undermines this prospect,” she said today.

Jewish men pray at the wailing wall, the last remnant of the old Jewish Temple of Jerusalem. In the background is the Dome of the Rock, one of the most sacred shrines in Islam. (AP)

“Australia’s embassy has always been, and remains, in Tel Aviv.”

She reiterated Australia remained a steadfast supporter of Israel and an “equally unwavering” supporter of the Palestinian people.

Today Wong criticised the former government’s motivations in recognising Jerusalem.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said Australia believed in a two-state solution. (9News)

“You know what this was? This was a cynical ploy, unsuccessful, to win the seat of Wentworth in a by-election,” she said.

Wentworth, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, has one of the largest Jewish populations of any electorate in Australia.

In spite of the recognition of Jerusalem in 2018, Australia’s embassy remained in Tel Aviv.

Israel considers Jerusalem to be its capital, though the city remains the focal point of conflict because of its religious significance to Jewish, Muslim and Christian people.

Ben Chifley was prime minister when Australia first recognised Israel. (Nine Archives)

Wong noted that Australia was one of the first countries to recognise Israel in 1948, and that it was a Labor prime minister, Ben Chifley, who did so.