MEDIA RELEASE - AUSTRALIA MUST SUPPORT ISRAEL

PAUL FLETCHER MP

Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts

Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy

Manager of Opposition Business in the House

MEDIA RELEASE

13 August 2023

AUSTRALIA MUST SUPPORT ISRAEL

Labor’s decision to describe Israel’s settlements in the West Bank as “illegal” and the Palestinian territories as “occupied” is yet another shocking failure to support Israel.

Israel is a vigorous multiparty democracy, a beacon of freedom around the world, and a country with which Australia has close economic, business and people-to-people connections. And of course Israel is the home of the Jewish people.

It is clear that Mr Albanese has taken this action so he can give hard line left wingers a victory at the forthcoming Labor National Conference. It is shocking that Labor is willing to play factional politics with our country’s foreign policy.

This appalling decision follows the Albanese Labor Government’s atrocious act last year in reversing Australia’s recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The Coalition is committed to supporting a lasting two-state solution, in which Israel and Palestine co-exist in peace and security within internationally recognised borders. It is extremely regrettable that Labor’s internal differences are undermining the consistency of Australia’s position on these matters.

I am proud to represent an electorate with a vibrant Jewish community, including four Synagogues and a Jewish school.

I will always stand up for Israel and for the Jewish people of the world and of Australia – and I will argue strongly that Australia should maintain its longstanding recognition of Israel and its longstanding position concerning the status of the West Bank and Palestinian territories.

ENDS

Media contact: William Sparling | 0416 628 276 | [email protected]