Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to address the United Nations, emphasizing the need to “break this cycle of violence and build something better.” His comments come amid a backdrop of Australia’s formal recognition of Palestine—a controversial and divisive move that has split the ruling party in the Australian parliament. Albanese should make a strong and compelling case for the essential demand for governance reforms in Palestine. He will no doubt call for an immediate and nonviolent end to the current hostilities.
In his address, Albanese would do well to repeat that Hamas should have no part in governing Palestine. He intends to pressure the Palestinian Authority to fulfill its demilitarization obligations. He’s fighting for more democratic elections and widespread reforms to the financial and educational systems. The Prime Minister’s comments should be taken as a starting point for Australia’s full recognition of Palestine. He says this step is key to realizing a sustainable peace in the area.
Ongoing Conflict and Settlement Expansion
Albanese is expected to draw attention to the detrimental impact of the ongoing conflict and the illegal expansion of settlements in the West Bank. He will declare that these moves risk making a two-state solution more and more impossible.
That’s the message the Prime Minister must send. He has a firm belief that lasting peace can only come through dialogue based on respect and recognition of each other’s rights. Enough people would be hard pressed not to deeply resonate with his pronouncement. They feel that a realistic solution starts with addressing the underlying factors of both violence and displacement.
“Working together, we can build a future where instead of children in Gaza dying in pain, living in fear or being taught to hate — they can go to school, build a ‘life in larger freedom’, aspire to raise children of their own.” – Anthony Albanese
Political Divisions and International Reactions
The political crisis sparked by recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state in Australia makes it hard to imagine anyone other than the Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley taking this decision strongly opposed. She vows that her party will repeal it if they come to power. Ley’s comments show the fear that underlies much of Australia’s political establishment when it comes to any idea of recognizing Palestine.
Ley had called on Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar just days before. She expressed her chagrin at the Labor government abandoning bipartisan support for this issue. She emphasized that “the Federal Opposition opposes this decision and would reverse it should we form government.” This continuing discussion reflects the ever-increasing tightrope Australia is required to walk in its geopolitical relations.
Meanwhile, a group of 25 Republican senators, including Ted Cruz, have warned that Australia’s recognition of Palestine could lead to “punitive measures” against the country. In so doing, they claim that these actions are in direct violation of decades-long U.S. policy and interests.
“Proceeding with recognition will put your country at odds with long-standing US policy and interests and may invite punitive measures in response.” – 25 Republicans
Future Meetings and Diplomatic Efforts
Speculation over an eventual first meeting between Albanese and U.S. President Donald Trump is surging. Yet nothing is officially scheduled nor confirmed. Last week, Trump teased the potential for a meeting in the near future. This meeting would prove to be transformative in both the substance and direction of Australia’s foreign policy.
Sussan Ley is set to visit United States in mid-December. Her stated plan is to shore up the ties between Australia and its most important partners. She articulated her diplomatic calling as one of trying to “bring ballast” to the relationship. This not only exemplifies her vision for deepening traditional alliances as geopolitical realities continue to shift.
Ley also invited Sa’ar to visit his country, and in response, Sa’ar invited Ley to Israel. Whatever the limitations of their gesture, it holds the potential for richer diplomatic conversations between their countries in coming years.
“The path to a two-state solution can only be achieved after Hamas has been removed from power in Gaza and all hostages have been released, not before.” – Sussan Ley
