‘I think I’m obliged to say that I do not at this time support a recognition of a Palestinian state’
The former premier has told a crowd of Jewish Labor Party faithfuls he could not support calls for Palestinian statehood until Hamas was removed from power in Gaza.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Daniel Andrews has declared that now is not the time to recognise a Palestinian state, telling a crowd of Jewish Labor Party faithfuls that the current Palestinian leadership is not a partner for peace.
The former premier reaffirmed his “steadfast” support for Israel in a powerful speech at the Temple Beth Israel synagogue in St Kilda on Thursday night to launch Labor Friends of Israel Australia.
Mr Andrews, who called the rise in antisemitism since October 7 “pure evil”, said he could not support calls for Palestinian statehood until Hamas was removed from power in Gaza.
“I think I’m obliged to say that I do not at this time support a recognition of a Palestinian state,” he said.
“That is not to say that the recognition of a Palestinian state is something that should never occur.”
Mr Andrews said it was important that Victorians “push back against … some of the twisted logic that tries to bring legitimacy to terrorism”.
“Hamas are not about peace, Hamas are not about anything other than the eradication of the Jewish state,” he said.
“Hamas hate the people of Israel more than they love their own.”
Earlier this month, Labor Friends of Israel Australia (LFI) co-conveners Mike Kelly, Eric Roozendaal and Nick Dyrenfurth announced that Mr Andrews and former Labor Senator and Olympian Nova Peris would serve as the inaugural patrons of the national body.
The group was formed following Hamas’ October 7 massacre in Israel to show Australian Labor’s longstanding commitment to the Jewish homeland.
Mr Andrews, a longtime supporter of Israel and the Jewish community, is scheduled to go to Israel in November.
He previously visited Israel on a trade mission in 2017, opening a Victorian Government Trade and Investment office in Tel Aviv.
Ms Peris, an Indigenous activist and former Hockeyroos player, has been a fervent supporter of Israel and key campaigner against antisemitism.
Wheatbelt ire on proposed mines
More than half of Victoria is covered by mining exploration licenses, while the state’s wheatbelt farming families are fighting to stop projects going ahead.
Sneaky way junk food is being pitched to Vic kids
Cancer experts have raised the alarm after uncovering a “concerning” pattern in junk food adverts being located near dozens of Victorian schools and kids’ transport routes.