Calls to rebuild ties whoever leads Israel

With both blocs talking up their chances of forming government after Israel’s election but no side near a 61-seat majority according to exit polls on Wednesday morning, Australian Jewish and political figures have called for the bilateral relationship to be repaired whoever ends up in office.

Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council executive director Colin Rubenstein told The AJN that a strong relationship with Israel was in Australia’s national interest, and that the damage done could not be brushed aside.

He pointed to Australia’s “premature recognition of a Palestinian state in the aftermath of October 7”, and to repeated one-sided condemnation and punitive measures directed at Israel while the Palestinian Authority was largely given a free pass.

“There is considerable onus now on this Australian Government and DFAT to take concrete steps to rebuild trust and demonstrate through actions, not just words,” Rubenstein said.

That meant more realistically addressing Israel’s security concerns, taking a more balanced and principled approach, and holding the PA accountable for its commitments, he said.