A War of Words Between Australia and Israel
The Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong, has been criticized by her Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, for allegedly distancing Australia from Israel during a difficult year for the country.
This heated exchange comes after a series of votes at the United Nations General Assembly that have highlighted growing tensions between the two nations.
Humanitarian Assistance and Hamas Attacks
According to Israeli media reports, Wong accused Israel of not providing enough humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza, which Sa’ar rejected, citing the October 7 attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas against southern Israel. Sa’ar is reported to have said, “Australia chose to distance itself from Israel in its most difficult year, in which it fought against its bitterest enemies.”
A “Direct but Respectful” Call
A spokesperson for Wong described the call as “direct but respectful” and emphasized Australia’s commitment to countering antisemitism and hate in all forms.
Shifting Support at the UN
In recent months, Australia has shifted its support at the UN, backing motions that condemn Israel’s actions, including a vote to ban Palestinian aid agency Unrwa over allegations of staff ties with Hamas. Australia has also supported a call for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza.
Historic UN Votes
One notable vote in mid-December saw Australia’s representative to the UN, James Larsen, state that the government did “not agree with everything in the resolution” but believed it “reflects our view that Unrwa must be able to continue its life-saving work.” This vote marked a significant shift in Australia’s stance, with the country joining 156 UN member countries, including the UK and Canada, against the US and Israel.
Criticism from Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been vocal in his criticism of Australia’s decision, claiming that the Albanese government holds an “extreme anti-Israeli position.” Netanyahu even went so far as to suggest that Australia’s “anti-Israel sentiment” at the UN led to an arson attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue.
Wong Defends Australia’s Position
In a December speech, Wong defended Australia’s position, stating that it was not antisemitic to “expect that Israel should comply with international law that applies to all countries.” She emphasized that calling for children and other civilians to be protected, or advocating for a two-state solution, was not anti-Semitic either.
Sa’ar’s Criticisms
Sa’ar reportedly emphasized Israel’s commitment to international law and its fight against the “radical axis” led by Iran. He also criticized Wong for drawing comparisons between Israel and Russia and China in regards to respecting international law. Sa’ar was particularly upset about Australia’s decision to refuse a visa to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked for a speaking tour, citing concerns about social cohesion.
A Hard Line on Hate
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that Shaked’s views about Palestinians in Gaza were “horrific” and that her visit would have undermined social cohesion. Burke emphasized that Australia would not tolerate hate speech, regardless of the target.