Despite Australia’s recent UN vote supporting a resolution that calls for Israel to end its presence in occupied Palestinian territories, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles is standing firm on the relationship between the Australia and Israel.
His comments come amid a diplomatic storm that has raised questions about Australia’s stance on the situation
Australia’s UN vote explained
On Wednesday, Australia joined 157 other countries in supporting a non-binding resolution urging Israel to leave the occupied Palestinian territories “as rapidly as possible”. The resolution also recognised the Palestinians‘ right to self-determination and an independent state.
This marks a change for Australia, which has previously abstained from similar motions. Only eight countries, including Israel and the US, voted against it.
Marles defends Australia’s position
Although the vote was against Israel, Deputy PM Richard Marles claimed that they are still “a close friend” to the nation. “We’re a close friend and we don’t see that there is any change in our friendship, our relationship, our support for Israel,” Marles said on ABC Radio.
He emphasised that the vote aligns with Australia’s long-standing policy: “Nor is there any change in our support for pursuing a two-state solution; that’s been the bipartisan policy of our nation for decades.”
Israel’s response to Australia’s UN vote
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment with Australia’s “flip-flop”. According to The Australian, his office suggested that the vote could encourage terrorism and anti-Semitism, stating, “Awarding anti-Semitism and terrorism with a state in the heart of the Jewish ancient homeland and cradle of civilisation will invite more terrorism and more anti-Semitic riots at campuses and city centres, including in Australia.”
Netanyahu also implied that Australia was no longer a key ally and said, “Thankfully, our key allies support Israel as we strive for true peace and security.”
Marles rejected the suggestion that the vote would encourage terrorism and anti-Semitism. He explained, “Our responsibility here is to try and use our international voice in that way. We’re not changing from the idea that there should be a two-state solution.”
Palestinian visa update
The news of Israel’s friendship comes as Immigration Minister Tony Burke confirmed that nearly half of the Palestinians who arrived in Australia on tourist visas have been transferred to humanitarian visas. Burke told SBS Arabic that these individuals have been moved from 12-month tourist visas to three-year Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) visas.
“People are constantly worried about their 12-month visas, what happens when it runs out. Eventually I’m moving everyone from the protection pathway to the humanitarian pathway, subject to the normal security checks,” Burke explained.
This represents a shift in the government’s approach to the Palestinian refugees who arrived after the October 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s subsequent bombardment of Gaza.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Australian government maintains its commitment to both Israel’s security and a peaceful two-state solution.
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