And just last month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese formally acknowledged Palestine as a sovereign state. He made this important diplomatic play at his opening speech during the 80th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong made this commitment public in a joint statement. This is a significant policy change for Australia, demonstrating the desire to support a peaceful, just and sustainable resolution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
That decision, which was foreshadowed back in August, was made official this past Sunday. Albanese articulated that the recognition signifies “a step forward to a more peaceful resolution.” He emphasized the long-held vision that both Israel and Palestine could coexist as independent states, a principle established when Israel received international support in 1948.
Responses to the Recognition
The short-sighted announcement sent shockwaves not just across the country, but around the world. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash on Wednesday admonished the Albanese government in very stern terms. They claimed it was against decades of Israel support from both parties. They claimed that granting recognition to a Palestinian state at this time would not foster peace. In reality, it would probably do the opposite and hold progress back.
“Today the Albanese government extends a hollow gesture of false hope to the Palestinian people. For the Israeli people, it extends a chilling act of concession to the Hamas terrorists who continue to seek their annihilation,” – Sussan Ley and Michaelia Cash
Albanese has stood up for the decision, claiming it’s consistent with Australia’s long-held bipartisan support for a two-state solution. He remarked, “Ever since then, Australia has had a two-state bipartisan position. What we have now done is realise that.” He further stated, “This is the world saying that the cycle of violence has to stop.”
This decision follows similar moves by Canada and the United Kingdom. Both countries have given Palestine official recognition as a sovereign state. Notably, seven other Western countries have expressed intentions to join them. This escalating trend is indicative of an increasingly international mood on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Broader Implications
Albanese’s decision may carry significant implications for Australia’s foreign relations, particularly with Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is vehemently opposed to that kind of recognition of a Palestinian state. He continues to argue that such a state is impossible and cannot live in peace alongside Israel. This pronouncement highlights the continued controversy and debate behind it.
Political observers view Australia’s recognition as an important component of a growing international effort. This new agreement is a far-reaching attempt to address decades-old grievances in the area. Albanese’s administration is seemingly hoping to ground itself as a supporter of peace initiatives, despite incurring significant opposition from their own home opposition parties.
“When the state of Israel was given support back in 1948, it was envisaged that there would be two states, a state of Israel and a state of Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security,” – Anthony Albanese
Albanese recognized the political storm clouds over such a decision. He is optimistic that it will lead to more constructive future discussion and negotiations.
Domestic Reactions and Future Steps
Within Australia, reactions have varied widely. Government officials and policymakers alike should continue to discuss this recognition, as well as its implications. We expect Communications Minister Anika Wells to raise the issue in forthcoming news.
In addition to foreign policy discussions, Albanese has faced scrutiny over domestic issues, particularly recent failures in Optus’s emergency services communication system. He made a big deal on holding people accountable for those failures. Yet at the same time, he was unequivocal in clearly separating these issues from recognizing Palestine.
“There will be a thorough investigation of this, clearly Optus’s behaviour is completely unacceptable. We have made that clear,” – Anthony Albanese
Barnaby Joyce, another senior figure in the opposition coalition, has demanded a royal commission investigation into what happened to Optus. He insisted that this issue not be confused with the diplomatic recognition of Palestine. He highlighted the lack of accountability, confusion on who was responsible, and a lack of transparency with the public regarding operational failures.
Australia is treading a difficult path of international great power competition and domestic political issues. Given the rapidly increasing developments on both fronts, it will be compelling to watch how these changes continue to transform relations with Israel and Palestine, as well as the internal political landscape.
