Subsequently, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese undertook a major diplomatic pivot. He promised that during the next meeting of the UN (in September) Australia would formally recognize Palestine as a state. This decision follows through on world leaders’ promises. France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have already promised to recognize a Palestinian state. To explain this, Albanese indicated growing public frustration with Netanyahu’s government, highlighting this as the most important reason for his decision. This has brought forth a vitriolic response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On Thursday, Albanese directly called Netanyahu to discuss his country’s plans. He has been subjected to relentless criticism for the move on the call, too. Netanyahu, who previously opposed any recognition of a Palestinian state, said Australia’s decision was “shameful.” He issued this statement the day before Albanese formally announced the decision publicly. He argued that recognizing a Palestinian state would imply acknowledging “an entity with no agreed borders, no single government in effective control of its territory.”
Australia’s Recognition of Palestine
The acknowledgement of Palestinian statehood would be a fitting follow-up to such moves made by other progressive countries. France follows as the first G7 country to support recognition at the UN. At the same time, take note, the UK and Canada have caught up with their own commitments. Albanese emphasized that these international developments influenced Australia’s decision, stating that it reflects a collective stance among nations advocating for peace in the region.
Just two weeks before the announcement was made, Albanese had committed Australia not to do the same “any time soon.” This dramatic reversal in stance has raised alarm, rightfully so, to political opponents and critics. In so doing, they are educating themselves on the longer-term implications of this brave initiative. Note: Albanese’s comments indicate that both domestic and international pressures led to this critical decision, most notably frustration with Netanyahu’s government.
Responses from Israeli Leadership
Netanyahu’s response to Australia’s announcement was fierce and immediate. He stated, “To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole…is disappointing, and I think it’s actually shameful.” His comments highlight an incredulity at Australia’s about face on policy, and this is particularly true considering the context of the developing situation in Gaza.
Netanyahu reiterated his position against recognizing Palestine, arguing that such actions could lead to “national suicide” without proper conditions being met. This reflects a broader concern among Israeli leadership about the potential consequences of diplomatic recognitions amidst ongoing tensions and hostilities.
“He has said that recognition of Palestine is conditional, but he actually refuses to say what will happen if the conditions that he sets out for recognition are not met.” – Sussan Ley
The Coalition party in Australia has firmly opposed any recognition of a Palestinian state until certain conditions are fulfilled, particularly concerning the release of hostages taken by Hamas and the establishment of a stable peace process.
Domestic Political Reactions
That announcement sparked a fierce domestic political battle in Australia. Sussan Ley, the Coalition’s deputy leader, criticized the government’s decision as disrespectful to the United States, stating that “any peace that happens in this region will be brokered by the US.” Ley went on to say that Australia’s recognition would have dire consequences on existing conflicts.
Critics within the government question the feasibility and implications of recognizing an entity that lacks defined borders and effective governance. An unnamed political figure raised doubts by stating, “What state is he recognizing as a state? You don’t actually recognize a new state until that state exists.” Yet this skepticism only underscores the multilayered character of foreign recognition and its legal consequences.
Most urgently, Albanese’s government is under pressure not just from opposition parties, but from within its ranks to explain its position. Ley expressed confusion about what needs to be recognized, how and what recognition means in the current context.
