Australia has changed its diplomatic stance by backing a United Nations resolution calling on Israel to “end its illegal presence” in the occupied Palestinian territories – Gaza and the West Bank – “as quickly as possible” and to cease new settlements.
Australia was among 157 countries that supported the resolution, while eight voted against it, including the United States and Israel. Seven countries abstained from the vote.
The resolution also recognizes the “inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, primarily the right to self-determination and the right to their independent state.”
Australia abstained on a Palestinian draft resolution adopted in September, similarly demanding that Israel end its “illegal presence” in Gaza and the West Bank within 12 months.
At the time, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was “disappointed” by the result. She said that although Australia had wanted to vote for the resolution, it abstained because the amendments it wanted to make to the resolution were not accepted.
Israel has occupied the Palestinian territories – the Gaza Strip and the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) – since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, after which it began building settlements.
In 2005, Israel ended its permanent military presence in Gaza, withdrawing its troops and dismantling its settlements.
But the enclave remains subject to a land, air and sea blockade by Israel since 2007, and Israel is still considered the occupying power under international law.
The UN considers that Gaza and the West Bank are still under Israeli occupation, which Israel rejects.
Australia’s Ambassador to the UN, James Larsen, told the General Assembly the position reflected growing international dynamics.
“A two-state solution remains the only hope of breaking the endless cycle of violence, the only hope of seeing a secure and prosperous future for both peoples,” he said.
The resolution was one of three adopted at the General Assembly.
One called for an end to Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights, which is disputed between Israel and Syria, while another charted a path forward for increased Palestinian representation at the UN.
Opposition criticizes support for resolution
The opposition criticized Australia’s decision to support the resolution.
“I think we should instead stand with allies like the United States,” Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said while speaking to reporters in Sydney.
“The Albanian government is chasing Green votes and is prepared to sacrifice the well-being of Australia’s Jewish community to achieve it.”
Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said it was disappointing that Australia was moving away from Israel and the United States, particularly “at a critical time in the relationship we should have » with these.
Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham has criticized the Albanian government for putting Australia “at odds” with the United States and “abandoning a key democratic ally in Israel”.
