Australia’s Recognition of Palestine Sparks Disappointment and Disgust in US
The United States has reacted with disappointment and “some disgust” to Australia’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state, according to a high-ranking US diplomat.
The move has sparked tensions between the two nations, with the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, expressing frustration over the lack of communication with the United States.
Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas, told the ABC’s 7.30 programme that he had discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump and officials at the US State Department.
“There’s an enormous level of disappointment, and some disgust,” he said, characterising the sentiment in Washington.
US Criticism and Concerns
Huckabee’s comments come after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns that the recognition of Palestine would hinder peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
Rubio claimed that talks with Hamas had “fell apart” following French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognise the Palestinian state.
The US ambassador to Israel also accused Western allies, including Australia, of “aiding and abetting” Israel’s enemies by recognising Palestine.
In an interview with the Times of Israel, Huckabee stated that the decision would “completely halt any type of thoughtful negotiations going forward.”
Australia’s Rationale
In announcing the decision to recognise Palestine, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cited a two-state solution as “humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned that “there is a risk there will be no Palestine left to recognise” if the world failed to work towards a solution.
Reactions and Implications
Hamas senior leader Hassan Yousef welcomed Australia’s decision, urging other countries to follow suit.
However, Albanese rejected Hamas’ praise, reiterating that a two-state solution would not involve the terrorist group.
Israel has denounced the recognition of Palestine as a “dangerous mistake,” with far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich vowing to continue building Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
The move has sparked fears of increased tensions in the region, with the United States, France, the UK, and Canada all pledging support for a two-state solution.