Embassy to be raised when Israel PM visits

Former prime minister Tony Abbott's comments on moving Australia's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem have attracted attention in Israel.

Malcolm Turnbull (L) with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Australia's embassy in Israel is likely to be discussed during diplomatic meetings next month. (AAP)

The location of Australia's embassy in Israel is likely to be raised during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit to Australia.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop insists there are no plans to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Tony Abbott this week argued Australia should join the incoming Trump administration in relocating its embassy.

Israeli MP Sharren Haskel said the former prime minister's comments carried weight.

"Well, Tony Abbott is the former prime minister of Australia, and the things that he says and the things that he does have a lot of meaning, I guess not just for Australians but also for Israelis," she told ABC Radio.

Ms Haskel is expected to visit Australia with Mr Netanyahu next month and has flagged she'll raise the issue with Ms Bishop and at meetings with other MPs.

Labor MP Michael Danby, who is Jewish, was cynical about Mr Abbott's motives on the issue.

"I'm not a psychotherapist, so I can't look inside his mind. It may be that since he's not been prime minister, that he's had more time to look into these kind of things," he told ABC Radio.

""Many people would have the feeling that it's sort of an attempt to have a shot at his rival, the prime minister (Malcolm Turnbull)."


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Source: AAP


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