By political reporter Chantelle Al-Khouri
Posted Fri 19 Jan 2024 at 7:17pm
At last we can see the bravery of some Politicians to stand up for truth, justice and peace by challenging the illegal, genocidal behaviour of Netanyahu and his Cabinet – Mark
Labor backbencher Julian Hill says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “hell-bent on formalising a policy of apartheid” and has called on Australia to fast-track formal recognition of a Palestinian state.
Key points:
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rebuffed calls for establishing a Palestinian state
- Labor MP Julian Hill says the comments cannot be tolerated by Australia
- Minister Penny Wong said establishing an independent Palestinian state is required for peace in the region during her trip to the Middle East
Mr Hill’s comments come after Mr Netanyahu rejected calls to scale back Israel’s military assault in Gaza or take steps toward the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“We will not settle for anything short of an absolute victory,” Mr Netanyahu told a televised news conference.
More than 24,600 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began bombing the besieged territory, after the October 7 Hamas attack which killed around 1,139 people.
Mr Hill said Mr Netanyahu’s declaration that he will not support the creation of a Palestinian state is “appalling” and demands an urgent international response, including from Australia.
“The grave implication of Netanyahu’s comments is that he is hell-bent on formalising a policy of apartheid. What else can he possibly mean?” Mr Hill said.
“This is devastating for all who want peace and security for Israel alongside a Palestinian state and cannot be tolerated by the international community… and it can’t just go unchallenged.”
“Without action now then a viable Palestinian state will soon be impossible and conflict in the Middle East further inflamed.”
During a visit to the Middle East this week, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the trip reaffirmed her view that establishing an independent Palestinian state is required for peace in the region.
The Israeli prime minister’s comments also defy the Biden administration’s official policy endorsing a two-state solution, while the US provides Israel with $US3.3 billion ($4.5 billion) a year in military aid.
Mr Hill said while his own comments — including those around apartheid may be seen as “controversial” in Australia — these are “mainstream debating points” within Israel and within the Jewish community.
While Israel strongly rejects any allegation of apartheid, human rights organisations like Amnesty International say Israel’s policies against Palestinians amount to “apartheid”.
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