JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel signalled displeasure on Sunday with Australia's recognition of West Jerusalem as its capital, with a confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying it was a mistake to gainsay Israeli control over the whole city. Israel captured Arab East Jerusalem in a 1967 war and annexed it as its capital in a moved not recognised internationally. Palestinians want East Jerusalem as capital of the state they hope to found in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. On Saturday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Canberra formally recognises West Jerusalem as Israel's capital but reaffirmed his country's support for a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem under a two-state peace deal. "All of Jerusalem remains a final-status issue for negotiations, while East Jerusalem, under international law, is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory," he said.

Source: The Star December 16, 2018 11:26 UTC