The Israeli embassy’s unusual intervention over Labor’s draft conference platform has thrust the Israel-Gaza conflict back into the party’s internal debate, writes political columnist MICHELLE GRATTAN
The Israeli embassy has made an extraordinary intervention in Australian domestic politics, criticising aspects of the draft party platform on the Israel-Gaza conflict that goes to Labor’s national conference in Adelaide this week.
In a long statement issued Monday, the embassy said several of its elements “risk placing responsibility for the conflict on one party while giving insufficient attention to the decisions, conduct and continuing obligations of the Palestinian leadership and terrorist organisations such as Hamas”.
The intervention is likely to stir anger in sections of the Labor party, in which Gaza is a highly sensitive issue and pro-Palestinian feeling is strong.
Those managing the conference anticipate a debate on the issue but have hoped to keep it as low key as possible.
The draft, much beefed up and expanded from the previous platform, reaffirms Labor’s support for a two-state solution “as the only pathway to a secure and prosperous future that respects the aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis alike”.
It notes the Albanese government’s recognition of the State of Palestine – which has been a point of public contention with Israel. It also condemns terrorism and violent extremism, including by Hamas.
The draft states bluntly: “Labor opposes the annexation of Palestinian territory and wants Israel to bring its illegal settlement activity and the occupation to an end”.
“Labor urges the Government to prevent any support being given to illegal settlement activity or extremist settler violence, and to implement further action and sanctions as necessary.”
The draft also “acknowledges the findings of the International Court of Justice in its advisory opinion on the Legal consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem”.
“Under international humanitarian law, Israel must comply with obligations as an occupying power, including in respect of food and medical supplies for the Palestinian civilian population,” the draft says.
“Australia has always stood against the death penalty as an inhumane and degrading form of punishment. Labor condemns recent Knesset legislation and all other discriminatory laws which target Palestinians.”
In its statement the embassy re-prosecutes in detail Israel’s position on a number of issues.
The embassy says it notes policy motions are still in draft form and “will continue to engage constructively with with the Australian Labor Party through the usual diplomatic channels”.
It encourages “all political parties to frame their policies not around assigning blame, but around promoting the conditions that history demonstrates are essential for lasting peace”.
It says those conditions include:
the recognition of Israel’s historic connection to the land and right to exist
the cessation of terrorism by all Palestinian organisations
the dismantling and disarmament of Hamas and other terrorist groups
an end to incitement and the glorification of terrorism; and
direct negotiations leading to a secure and enduring peace.
“Israel has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to make difficult compromises when genuine peace is possible,” the embassy says.
“It remains committed to a future in which Israelis and Palestinians live alongside one another in peace and security.
“That future, however, cannot be built through unilateral political declarations or international pressure directed at only one side.”
Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra. Republished from The Conversation.
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