Australia will announce its unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in New York today, a senior official in the Trump administration tells The Times of Israel.
Canberra would be the third Western country expected to take such a step today, alongside the United Kingdom and Portugal, which are expected to declare recognition before or during the UN session as well.
Australia’s step is proceeding despite US objections, the official adds.
“We told them it’s not helpful,” the official says, adding that Australia justified the move on “transparently domestic considerations.”
The Australian Embassy in Jerusalem does not immediately respond to a request for comment.
US President Donald Trump has voiced opposition to countries pursuing recognition of Palestinian statehood, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Israel could respond “reciprocally” through annexation of the West Bank.
Asked about Washington’s own response to countries announcing recognition, the senior official says, “Planned measures are under consideration.”
