‘Lip service': Former Israeli prime minister rejects Palestinian recognition
Olmert, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2009, said the Albanese government should have waited until key conditions, such as Palestinian elections, were met before recognising Palestinian statehood, rather than accepting assurances from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
'I'm a supporter of a two-state solution, I presented a solution to the Palestinian leader in 2008 while we negotiated peace between Israel and Palestine,' Olmert said in an interview with this masthead.
'What I do not understand is why the prime minister recognises a state that doesn't exist rather than try and influence the two sides, the Palestinian side and the Israeli side, to embark on a negotiation that will help create it.
'I don't see what the practical dimension is in recognising a state that doesn't exist ... I have no problem with anyone who makes a statement saying they support a two-state solution.
'The question is: can we depart for a second from the political rhetoric and lip service [in favour of] a more consistent, thoughtful, careful and smart process, in collaboration with other countries, to create the necessary infrastructure and platform that will allow the actual implementation of such idea in reality.'
Albanese said his government had recognised Palestine because 'there is a moment of opportunity here, and Australia will work with the international community to seize it'.
'The toll of the status quo is growing by the day, and it can be measured in innocent lives,' he said on Monday.
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