Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

What the Prime Minister did today, together with the foreign minister, was announce a number of important measures to reinforce our commitment to efforts towards resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, further strengthen our valuable relationship with Israel and, indeed, re-examine Australia's policy in relation to Iran's nuclear ambitions. These decisions have been taken after careful consideration, are fundamentally in Australia's national interests and reflect our national values.

The Australian government remains firmly committed to a two-state solution that allows Israel and a future Palestinian state to exist side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised borders. The government is consistently encouraging both sides to continue a dialogue and negotiations towards a peaceful settlement. In supporting a two-state solution, the government will vote no in the upcoming UN General Assembly resolution on the Palestinian Authority chairing the G77; consider recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel without prejudice to its final boundaries, while acknowledging East Jerusalem as the expected capital of a future Palestinian state; and look at the merits of moving Australia's embassy to West Jerusalem. The Prime Minister also indicated that he's considering a review of Australia's policy towards the Iran Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.