Australia's risky move

This also means that Australia may follow the US position to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel - an issue that the international community has long opposed. According to observers, behind this political move that is considered "risky", Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is calculating many things. But which side will the "gain - loss" balance of benefits that Australia can achieve lean towards?

Calculating pros and cons

The latest statement by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison can be seen as a big change compared to the government of his predecessor, Mr. Malcom Tunbull.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is facing domestic and foreign challenges related to the Jerusalem issue. Photo: Australian.com.au

Just this June, despite pressure from within the Liberal Party - Australia's largest political party - the country's then Foreign Minister Julie Bishop firmly rejected a proposal calling on the government to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. She also affirmed that Australia needed to maintain its decades-long stance on the Jerusalem issue.

However, soon after Australia had a new government under Prime Minister Scott Morrison, this view began to change. Accordingly, Mr. Morrison affirmed the "openness" of the Australian government on this issue; at the same time, he emphasized: "The issue of Jerusalem's status has always been considered sensitive in the debate; but I think we need to confront and resolve it.".

There are many reasons behind the Australian Prime Minister’s surprising announcement. First of all, the announcement was made in the context of an upcoming by-election in Wentworth to find a replacement for the MP position left by former Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull.

Specifically, Mr. Dave Sharma - the candidate of Prime Minister Morrison's Liberal Party is rushing to fill the vacant seat, is at a disadvantage. Therefore, the Australian Prime Minister's statement is considered to create a push to attract Jewish voters in Wentworth for Mr. Sharman. Simply because if this character loses to Labor Party candidates or Liberal candidates, Prime Minister Morrison will easily lose the majority in parliament.

Another reason to mention is that Australia's policy under new Prime Minister Scott Morrison has placed a special emphasis on the US-Australia alliance. In her first speech on Australia's policy since taking office in August, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne recently emphasized that the country's alliance with the US has never been more important than it is today, as tensions continue to escalate in the Indo-Pacific region.

Therefore, it is not too difficult to understand why Australia chose to "side with the US" on the controversial issue of Jerusalem.

Unforeseen consequences

Despite his calculations, the Australian Prime Minister may not have anticipated the strong reaction of the international community to this latest statement. Although he still supports the two-state solution, Mr. Morrison's announcement that he would consider moving the Australian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem was enough to stir up public opinion in the Middle East as well as Muslim countries.

First, Palestine stressed that Australia was taking too many risks and wanted to go against the rules and resolutions of the United Nations. Meanwhile, ambassadors of 13 Arab countries to Australia immediately met in Canberra, expressing concern that Australia's consideration of moving its embassy to Jerusalem could destroy the Middle East peace process.

Expressing a stronger stance, Indonesia even warned that it might consider suspending the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) it just signed with Australia in protest.

Observers say that in addition to pleasing the US ally, it seems that Mr. Morrison is making reckless bets for short-term internal political goals, even relations with potential partner Indonesia.

Jerusalem is becoming a risky political card for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Photo: Getty

Prime Minister Morrison's recent trip to Indonesia right after taking office, along with a series of attractive economic cooperation opportunities, has somewhat restored the image of the ruling Liberal Party, which has been seriously declining after internal struggles.

The free trade agreement with Indonesia has also made a personal mark and increased Mr Morrison’s political prestige. But with the Jerusalem announcement, these efforts and achievements of the Australian Prime Minister may “go down the drain”.

Not stopping at Indonesia, according to observers, siding with the US and changing its diplomatic mission on the Middle East peace process will only isolate Canberra from the international community. First of all, it will be other Muslim countries such as: Malaysia, Palestine, Arab countries...

These countries all consider Jerusalem the third holiest site after Mecca and Medina. Meanwhile, Australia's voice and position in international affairs, especially on the issue of Middle East peace, has also seriously declined.

Therefore, according to observers, if Prime Minister Morrison is determined to realize his announcement to move the Australian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Canberra will probably "lose" more than "gain".

Because even if the ruling Liberal Party wins the support of Wentworth voters and the parliamentary seat here, it will not improve its long-term image. And if the Jerusalem announcement is just a test of Prime Minister Morrison's attitude, after considering the pros and cons, this is probably the time for the Canberra government to stop at the right time!