Government to harden stance against Israel's 'illegal settlements in occupied' West Bank
Posted Tue 8 Aug 2023 at 4:14pmTuesday 8 Aug 2023 at 4:14pm, updated Tue 8 Aug 2023 at 7:19pmTuesday 8 Aug 2023 at 7:19pm
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The federal government is set to strengthen its objection to Israeli settlements in the West Bank — the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel.
Key points:Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the government will use the term "Occupied Palestinian Territories"
She says the change will align Australia with the United Nations, the UK, New Zealand and Europe
The language used by Australian ministers to describe the settlements has been inconsistent over the years
During Labor's caucus briefing, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government was looking to "strengthen the government's objection to settlements by affirming that they are illegal under international law and a significant obstacle to peace".
Last month, the Australian government issued a statement along with Canada and the United Kingdom to say they were "deeply concerned" by recent events in Israel and the West Bank.
The statement said the government of Israel's approval of new settlement units in the West Bank — over 5,700 homes — further reduced "the prospects for peace" but it did not say they were illegal builds.
A similar statement was issued in February, when Australia joined with Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom and United States to condemn a decision by the Israeli government to build 10,000 settlement units in the West Bank.
Tuesday's announcement confirms the Australian government believes Israel's efforts to establish and expand settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.
Senator Wong told colleagues the government would affirm the settlements were illegal and return to the position of "Occupied Palestinian Territories".
The language used by Australian ministers to describe the settlements has been inconsistent across different governments over the years.
The term "occupied territories" has been used by a handful of foreign ministers in recent decades but since 2014, most ministers have refrained from using the term occupied or occupation when referring to Palestinian territories.
Penny Wong has signalled a shift in the government's stance on Israel and Palestine.(AAP: Lukas Coch )
Consistent with other nations
Speaking in parliament, Senator Wong said Australia's position would be consistent with other countries as well as United Nations General Assembly and United Nations Security Council resolutions.
"Australia is … returning to the term occupied Palestinian territories and the point I'd make is that it is consistent with UN Security Council resolutions, it is consistent with the approach taken by key partners including the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the European Union," she said.
"So, this is a term which has been used, including on past occasions by past foreign ministers and past governments, that is consistent with much of the nomenclature that is used within the UN context and is used, as I said, by key partners including the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the European Union.
"In adopting the term, we are clarifying that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Gaza, were occupied by Israel following the 1967 War, and that the occupation continues."
Australia condemns Israel for illegal settlement in occupied West Bank
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has added Australia's voice to international condemnation over the Israeli government's decision to build thousands of settlement units in the occupied West Bank in violation of international law.
Senator Wong said Australia remained a "committed friend of Israel" but that it is necessary to strengthen language when responding to settlements.
"The Australian government is strengthening its opposition to settlements by affirming they are illegal under international law and a significant obstacle to peace," she told parliament.
"This is consistent with a position of past governments, reflects legal advice and UN Security Council resolutions which determined that the settlements have no legal validity and constitute a violation of international law."
Labor's draft national platform states it "supports the recognition and right of Israel and Palestine to exist as two states within secure and recognised borders," it also "calls on the Australian government to recognise Palestine as a state" and outlines that it "expects that this issue will be an important priority for the Australian government."
The government hasn't stated when it will begin to use the strengthened language.
A statement from the General Delegation of Palestine to Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific welcomed the government's change in language.
"The ministry views this significant and important development in the Australian position positively, as it aligns with international law and United Nations resolutions, and supports global efforts aimed at reviving the peace process based on international peace frameworks, foremost of which is the principle of the two-state solution," the statement said.
Coalition questions timing of announcement
Jewish Liberal MP Julian Lesser said the alteration in language was not a good decision.
"This decision will not help a two-state solution on the ground, it will only embolden and please organisations that we in this country have listed as terrorist organisations, like Palestinian Islamic Jihad," he said.
"It will not encourage people to the table and is off kilter with where Israel is going with its Arab neighbours since the Abraham Accords."
Mr Leeser said Australians needed to look at the timing of the announcement, which has been made ahead of the Australian National Labor Party Conference.
"I think this sends a bad message not just to Israel but to any of our allies around the world," he said.
"That Australian foreign policy is subject, while this government is in power, to the whim of the faction bosses within the Labor movement who are controlling their national conference.
"This is about a weak prime minister, a weak foreign minister unable to stare down their own people."
Mr Lesser said he did not accept that the settlements in the West Bank were illegal.
Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham also questioned the timing of the decision.
"The Coalition remains committed to supporting a lasting two-state solution, in which Israel and Palestine co-exist," he said in a statement.
"It is extremely regrettable that Labor's internal differences are undermining the consistency of Australia's position on these matters."
The electorate with the largest Jewish community in Australia is based in Sydney's east, in Wentworth, and federal independent MP Allegra Spender questioned the decision.
"There is no point in Australia making symbolic changes to language. We need to put domestic politics aside and be a friend to peace, by supporting both Israel and the Palestinians towards a two-state solution," she said in a statement.
Editor's note (10/08/2023): This story has been updated to clarify that Israel has announced plans to construct more than 5,700 homes.
Posted 8 Aug 20238 Aug 2023, updated 8 Aug 2023
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