Australia’s decision to recognize “West” Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and its intention to move its embassy there managed to equally offend officials of the Israeli government as well as the Palestinian Authority—a rare agreement that amounts to a diplomatic double negative.

But neither reaction is helpful in the longstanding quest to forge consensus in the Middle East.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the decision, taking pains to use the term “West” Jerusalem rather than just “Jerusalem,” as was the case when the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and went on to establish its embassy there. Aaron Jacob, director of diplomatic affairs for the American Jewish Committee, noted that Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded to the move with a lukewarm announcement, calling it “a step in the right direction.”

Jacob went on to point out that the secretary-general of the League of Arab States called on Australia “to correct its position and recognize the State of Palestine and its capital as East Jerusalem without delay.” Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel’s minster for regional cooperation, referred to Australia as a “deep and intimate friend of many years’ standing,” then went on to strongly criticize the decision.

“Jerusalem is one whole, united,” he said. “Israel’s control over it is eternal.  Our sovereignty will not be partitioned nor undermined. And we hope Australia will soon find the way to fix the mistake it made.”

Meanwhile, for entirely different reasons, the Palestinians also criticized the Australian move. Saeb Erakat, a top adviser to Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas, called the Australian action “irresponsible,” stating that “all of Jerusalem remains a final status issue for negotiations.”

He said the new announcement resulted from “petty domestic politics” in Australia.

The dispute has long roots. Jacob took note of the fact that when the United Nations approved the Partition Plan in 1947, it called for two states—one Jewish and one Arab—with Jerusalem being declared an “international city.”

But the AJC itself praised the Australian decision on Jerusalem as “a step in the right direction,” adding that “it is time for all countries to recognize reality and follow the United States and Guatemala in moving their embassies to Jerusalem.”

Jacob points out that several other nations, including the Czech Republic, Brazil and Russia, are considering or taking steps toward recognizing West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, but none has made a formal announcement to that end

When President Donald Trump announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, he did not use the term “West” Jerusalem, but simply “Jerusalem.” That distinction was warmly welcomed by the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and roundly condemned by the Palestinian Authority and several other members of the United Nations.  

Some recognized the decision as righting an historic wrong; others said the status of Jerusalem should be settled by direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

Trump’s long-awaited “diplomatic deal of the century” between Israel and the Palestinians is expected soon.  But Jerusalem’s “final and official status” can only be resolved as part of a comprehensive peace plan approved by the parties. 

In the meantime, it is a positive development that Australia is taking steps to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel. Let’s hope both sides can overcome their opposition to move in the direction of a lasting peace.