This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Talking Points - Change to recognition of Israel's capital'.



Talking Points - Reversal of recognition of West Jerusalem...
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DFAT DECLASSIFIED - COPY RELEASED UNDER FOI ACT 1982
LEX 6985
OFFICIAL:Sensitive
MEDIA TALKING POINTS
Australian Government 
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 

DISTRIBUTION: STANDARD
Topic: POLITICAL-ECONOMIC
Originating Division: MAD
Subject: Reversal of recognition of West Jerusalem
Version Date: 20/10/2022
Reason for Update: New talking points
Version: 1
Expiry: 19/01/2023
Talking Points
• The Australian Government has reaffirmed Australia’s previous and longstanding position that Jerusalem
is a final status issue that should be resolved as part of any peace negotiations between Israel and the
Palestinian people.
• This reverses the former Government’s recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
• Australia’s embassy in Israel remains in Tel Aviv.
• Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in
peace and security, within internationally recognised borders.
• Australia will always be a steadfast friend of Israel. We were among the first countries to formally
recognise Israel under Prime Minister Ben Chifley.
s 33(a)(iii)
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Talking Points - Reversal of recognition of West Jerusalem...
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s 33(a)(iii)
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Talking Points - Reversal of recognition of West Jerusalem...
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DFAT DECLASSIFIED - COPY RELEASED UNDER FOI ACT 1982
LEX 6985
s 33(a)(iii)
Any use or disclosure of personal information about individuals and the incidents contained in this 
background should not be made public. To do so may constitute a breach of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Background
Nil
Handling Notes
Media Interest
Approval
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s 22(1)(a)(ii)
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Talking Points - Reversal ofrecognition of West Jemsalem ... 
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DFAT DECLASSIFIED- COPY RELEASED UNDER FOi ACT 1982 
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Consultation 
MAD 
Author 
s 22(1 )(a)(ii) 
Cleared by 
Marc Innes-Brown; FAS MAD 
Distribution 
Media Liaison Section, SES, HOMs/HOPs, STO Directors, Secreta1y's EO and Senior Executive PAs, 
A-based public affairs officers, A-based HOM PAs, FMO, TTMO, MIDPO, ATMO, AFMO, PMO and 
PM&C addressees. 
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DFAT DECLASSIFIED - COPY RELEASED UNDER FOI ACT 1982
LEX 6985
Talking Points – Reversal of recognition of West Jerusalem 
Last update: 18/01/2023 11:41 AM 
•  The Australian Government has reaffirmed Australia’s previous and 
longstanding position that Jerusalem is a final status issue that should be 
resolved as part of any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian 
people. 
•  This reverses the former Government’s recognition of West Jerusalem as the 
capital of Israel. 
•  Australia’s embassy in Israel remains in Tel Aviv. 
•  Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future 
Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally 
recognised borders  
•  Australia wil  always be a steadfast friend of Israel. We were among the first 
countries to formally recognise Israel under Prime Minister Ben Chifley.   
s 33(a)(iii)
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DFAT DECLASSIFIED - COPY RELEASED UNDER FOI ACT 1982
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From:
s 22(1)(a)(ii)
To:
s 22(1)(a)(ii)
Cc:
s 22(1)(a)  International - Middle East Africa and Multilateral Issues; s 22(1)(a)(ii)
s 22(1)(a)(ii) ; s 22(1)(a)
Subject:
RE: Estimates briefing on Israel/PTs 
Date:
Tuesday, 18 October 2022 9:11:00 AM
Attachments:
image001.jpg
image002.png
image003.jpg
 
Hi s 22(1)(a)(ii),
 
Yes, FMO has now cleared. Please see below.
 
The Australian Government continues to consider the final status of Jerusalem as a
matter to be resolved as part of any peace negotiations.
 
The former Government made the decision to recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of
Israel.
 
No decision to change that has been made by the current Government.
 
Australia remains a longstanding friend and strong supporter of Israel.
 
Happy to discuss further.
 
Cheers,
 s 22(1)(a)(ii)
_______________________________
A/g Director | Levant Section 
Middle East Branch
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 
s 22(1)(a)(ii)
www.dfat.gov.au
Web | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr
 
 
s 22(1)(a)(ii)
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