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Australia’s Decision To Recognize Jerusalem As Israel’s Capital ‘Still Pending’

Amid swirling rumors, Australia’s cabinet met Tuesday to discuss recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, although a senior lawmaker thereafter stressed that the decision is “still pending.” After publicly backing the move in October, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison increasingly has come under fire from Muslim neighbors including Malaysia and Indonesia, the latter of which warned that such a declaration could end efforts to forge a long-sought bilateral free trade agreement. For his part, chief Palestinian peace negotiator Saeb Erekat called on “Arab and Muslim countries to sever all relations with Australia, if it recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.” Australian media reported that a decision could be announced as early as Wednesday, while noting that Canberra is not expected to formally relocate its embassy to Jerusalem due to the projected $200 million cost.