Gaza war shifts 'Israel'-Australia ties: Canberra recognizes Palestine

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 19:06

Australia has recognized a Palestinian state, reflecting growing public support amid the war on Gaza. The move has drawn sharp criticism from "Israel" and deepened diplomatic strains.

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A young boy waves his flag among others as people gather in central Sydney for a rally Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, to support Palestinians in Gaza (AP)

Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state, announced on August 11, came amid growing domestic pressure over the Israeli war on Gaza and marked a significant departure from its traditionally pro-Israeli foreign policy stance. The decision followed visible public support for Palestine, including a mass protest on Sydney's Harbour Bridge calling for peace and humanitarian aid.

“It just became politically unpalatable to continue to defend Israel and lay all the blame at the feet of Hamas,” said Martin Kear, an academic at Sydney University specialising in the so-called Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Consequently, the political landscape in Australia has sharply shifted. An August poll by DemosAU revealed that 45% of Australians now support recognising a Palestinian state before any negotiated peace deal, up from 35% the previous year. Only 23% opposed the recognition.

Public sympathy toward "Israel" began to erode dramatically amid graphic media coverage of the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The Sydney Morning Herald editorialized that the “apocalyptic spectre of famine” played a key role in transforming public sentiment, which heavily influenced policymakers.

“I think they have changed an awful lot of minds amongst policymakers in Australia, as they have in other countries,” said Charles Miller, a lecturer at the Australian National University.

Fallout in relations with "Israel"

The move has triggered one of the most significant diplomatic rifts between Canberra and Tel Aviv in decades. Australian diplomats working in the occupied West Bank have had their visas revoked, and an Israeli lawmaker was denied entry into Australia.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has personally attacked Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling him “weak” and accusing him of "betraying Israel".

In a recent interview with Sky News Australia, Netanyahu said, "I'm sure he has a reputable record as a public servant, but I think his record is forever tarnished by the weakness that he showed in the face of these Hamas terrorist monsters."

Albanese has so far downplayed the dispute but has not reversed his government’s stance.

Recently, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cancelled the visa of far-right Knesset member Simcha Rothman, citing Rothman’s inflammatory remarks referring to children in Gaza as “enemies” of "Israel". Burke defended the decision, stating it was made to protect Palestinian and Muslim Australians.

“Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry,” Burke said in a Radio National interview on August 20, highlighting the immense civilian toll of the ongoing bombardment of Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed.

Burke also emphasized that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had communicated Canberra's position directly to Netanyahu before the public escalation, rejecting claims that the move was diplomatically disrespectful.

Historic support for 'Israel' now under strain

Australia has historically been a staunch ally of "Israel", being among the early supporters of the establishment of a Jewish state. While both major political parties continue to endorse a two-state solution, the recent recognition marks a turning point in Australia’s approach.

Though Prime Minister Albanese had personally supported the recognition of a Palestinian state, he had previously avoided acting on it due to political caution. According to Jessica Genauer of Flinders University, the change was enabled by a shift in public sentiment and the security of Albanese’s electoral position following his landslide victory in May.

Australia’s move followed similar statements by the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, creating an international environment that encouraged Canberra to act. “They don't want to lead on carving new pathways… but they don't want to be left behind,” Genauer said. “Albanese is still a pragmatic and cautious person by nature.”