Australia to support UN vote on two-state solution in Middle East
Penny Wong is set to strengthen Australia’s support for a two-state solution in the Middle East by backing a United Nations vote calling for an “irreversible pathway” to the measure after abstaining in recent years.
NSW
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Penny Wong is set to strengthen Australia’s support for a two-state solution in the Middle East by backing a United Nations vote calling for an “irreversible pathway” to the measure after abstaining in recent years, in a move the Coalition claims will further open a rift with Israel.
It’s understood to be the first time since the Howard-era that Australia will back the resolution, which is set to be voted on at the United Nations (UN) general assembly, to be held on Wednesday, Sydney-time.
Former ambassador to Israel, Senator Dave Sharma, said the Albanese Government voting for the measure in the UN after abstaining previously was a play for domestic votes.
“These potential changes in Australia’s UN voting pattern are against our national interests. They will do nothing to advance the cause of peace in the Middle East,” he said.
“All they do is reward Hamas for its terrorist acts. And they further damage Australia’s relations with an important partner in the Middle East, Israel. Through these changes, Labor is seeking to placate domestic constituencies, rather than putting Australia’s national interests first.”
A spokeswoman for Senator Wong said Australia would support motions which built momentum for a two-state solution.
“As a constructive middle power, Australia approaches UN resolutions to try to achieve the best outcomes we can,” she said.
“We don’t always get everything we want. But if, on balance, we believe the resolution will contribute to peace and a two-state solution, we will vote for it.
“On our own, Australia has few ways to move the dial in the Middle East. Our only hope is working within the international community to push for an end to the cycle of violence and work toward a two-state solution.”
The development comes after the government last month refused to condemn the International Criminal Court for issuing an arrest warrant against Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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