Australia recognising Palestine would infuriate Netanyahu – but not the people of Israel
Twenty months ago, it was impossible for civilised, fair-minded societies not to sympathise with Israeli victims of Hamas' atrocities. Today it is impossible for civilised, fair-minded societies not to sympathise with Palestinian victims of Netanyahu's atrocities.
His regime's wilful blindness to its starving of Palestinian children proved to be the last straw for many. Even Donald Trump openly contradicted Netanyahu this week by calling it real starvation: 'You can't fake that,' said the US president.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signalled that Australia is prepared to alienate Netanyahu by moving towards giving full diplomatic recognition to a state called Palestine. 'It's a very historic shift,' observes Amin Saikal, professor emeritus of Middle Eastern studies at ANU.
Not hastily or impetuously. The government is acting with the same circumspection that has become its hallmark. It's been weighing recognition since Penny Wong said so in April last year. The Albanese cabinet has canvassed the issue extensively.
First, it's moving in careful step with the rising Australian public sympathy for Palestinian civilians. One indicator: late last year, half of Australia wanted Israel to end its military assaults in Gaza. By this week, that had surged to two-thirds, according to Essential polling.
Second, the government waited until the Palestinian Authority had announced its own self-reform agenda. This was designed to make itself a more acceptable candidate for statehood. It included a call for the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas, a demand that Hamas disarm, a commitment to a demilitarised Palestinian state and a promise to hold elections within a year to allow 'generational renewal' of the Palestinian Authority itself.
Third, Albanese waited until France and Saudi Arabia had convened a large group of nations – including the EU and the Arab League – to try creating preconditions for negotiations towards a two-state outcome.
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