Today, the Coalition has secured the support of the Senate to stand with Israel and affirm its inherent right to defend itself and protect its citizens.
In a remarkable 24 hours, the Albanese Labor Government has once again changed its position, reinforcing its internal confusion and division over Labor’s position on Israel.
In accepting significant Coalition amendments to the motion forced through the House of Representatives yesterday, the Albanese Government has only added to the confusion, inconsistencies and weakness in its positions.
The Coalition’s successful amendments included Israel’s right to defend itself as well as the condemnation of those committed to the destruction of Israel, and the actions of those seeking to celebrate and promote the actions of terrorists.
However, Labor’s decision to reject other Coalition amendments which confirmed Australia’s long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution continues its record of trashing decades of bipartisanship on the issue.
Without a negotiated two-state solution, which addresses critical issues of security guarantees, agreed borders and rights of return, Labor is instead doubling down on Minister Wong’s ill-conceived arbitrary timeline for a recognition that resolves none of the issues of dispute.
Foreign Minister Wong’s further remarks about international consensus were a significant misrepresentation of the US position in a stunt that was either naïve or deliberately misleading.
Labor’s inability to sustain a firm position on Israel continues to put Australia at odds with our major ally and security partner in the United States.
The ceasefires we should all be supporting are where all hostages are released, while both Hamas and Hezbollah surrender their terrorist infrastructure, capability and leadership. That would give Israelis, Palestinians and Lebanese people the best chance of peace.
