Demonstrators lift Israeli flags and LGBTQ pride flags during a protest against the proposed judicial overhaul in Tel Aviv in May 2023.
Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images
Rather than harming Australia’s credibility, the decision will likely reinforce Canberra’s reputation as a middle power seeking to navigate its way in the shifting sands of Middle East politics.
On the left, fire and smoke rise above buildings in Gaza City as Israeli warplanes target the Palestinian enclave on May 17, 2021; on the right, rockets launched from Gaza flying toward Israel on May 10, 2021.
Mahmud Hams / AFP/Getty Images and Mahmoud Issa/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.
Boaz Atzili, American University School of International Service
In most wars, each side’s aggression is meant to get the other side to back down. But that’s not the case with how Israeli and Palestinian leaders have conducted their long-running war.
Palestinians gesture and wave Palestinian flags at Israelis in a Jewish community building, during renewed riots in the city of Lod on May 11.
Oren Ziv/picture alliance via Getty Images
The fighting between Israelis and Palestinians grew quickly and ferociously after being ignited by a conflict in an Arab part of Jerusalem. Why did things go so bad so quickly?
Scott Morrison’s announcement that Australia would recognise West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has cause a negative reaction not only from the Muslim world, but from Israel itself.
AAP/Mick Tsikas
In his efforts to find favour with Israel’s supporters at the Wentworth byelection, Morrison crossed that divide, and has now infuriated many - including the Israeli government.
Moving the Australian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is controversial because it would be a strong political statement of support for Israel.
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Saudi Arabia portrays itself as a leading supporter of humanitarian aid, especially to the Palestinians, but the country’s leadership has an ambivalent strategy towards the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Boycotting academic, cultural and sports activities in Israel is an essential part, but total avoidance may not be the most useful political strategy.
Tel Aviv has a reputation as a “non-stop city” but is also known for its local government’s use of smart technology to listen to and respond to residents’ needs and concerns.
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To be a smart city is to know what your people want and need. And smart city leaders make sure residents can tell them by using technology to maintain a constant two-way flow of information.