Attorney-General visits Israel
Dreyfus arrives visits Israel amid strained ties and Jewish community concerns over Australia’s recent policy shifts on Israel.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has arrived in Israel amid strained bilateral relations between the two nations.
It comes at a delicate time for Australian-Israeli relations, with Jewish community leaders expressing serious concern over recent shifts in Australia’s policy stance.
Mr Dreyfus’s itinerary includes meetings with yet-to-be named Israeli officials and visits to what he describes as the Occupied Palestinian Territories, where he will advocate for both increased humanitarian access to Gaza and the immediate release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.
“Australia’s friendship with Israel is deep and enduring,” Mr Dreyfus said in a statement ahead of his departure, highlighting Australia’s historical role in Israel’s establishment through Doc Evatt’s support for UN Resolution 181.
However, Zionist Federation of Australia CEO Alon Cassuto pointed to underlying tensions in the relationship.
“The relationship between the Australian and Israeli governments is more strained than at any other time in living memory,” Cassuto said. “That’s why visits to Israel by members of the Australian Government matter.”
He stressed the significance of senior ministers witnessing conditions firsthand.
“Senior ministers need to see the realities on the ground, to truly understand the challenges Israel faces every day,” he said, adding that the Australian Jewish community’s wellbeing is intrinsically linked to Australia’s support for Israel.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry’s co-CEO Peter Wertheim echoed these concerns, attributing recent diplomatic challenges to policy changes under the current government.
“The recent strains in the relationship are entirely due to the policy changes and actions of the Australian government since 2022, which have been a conspicuous departure from long-held bipartisan positions,” Wertheim said.
He believes the diplomatic mission will be “as important as it will be difficult,” noting that Australia has no more reliable friend and partner in the Middle East than Israel.
When the visit was announced, Dr. Colin Rubenstein, Executive Director of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council described it as very welcome, “especially given that our government’s wrong-headed approach has left our ties with Israel in unprecedented disarray,”
During his visit, the Attorney-General will reiterate Australia’s support for a two-state solution and emphasise Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism.
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