Labor politicians join to fight ‘anti-Israel focus’

A group of Labor politicians want to counter what they perceive to be growing anti-Israel sentiment.

A group of Labor politicians has formed a new action group to counter what they perceive to be growing anti-Israel sentiment within the party that they claim is being pushed by high-profile colleagues such as former foreign minister Bob Carr.

The Labor Israel Action Committee, headed by NSW state members Walt Secord and Ron Hoenig, will work to “restore balance in the Labor Party on Israel and the Middle East”.

It’s understood the group, which has 62 members, was formed in direct response to frustration at the influence of Mr Carr and NSW member Shaoquett Moselmane. “In my view, the discussion within the ALP lacks balance,” Mr Secord told the group at its first meeting.

Federal Labor members Mike Kelly and senator Deb O’Neill are the new group’s co-patrons, while former NSW treasurer Eric Roozendaal, former NSW MP Mary Easson and former senator ­Michael Forshaw are among members. The group will advocate for a two-state solution, the long-held policy within the ALP.