A group of Israeli parliamentarians has taken an unprecedented step by urging Australian MPs to abandon the country’s long-held two-state policy on Israel and Palestine. In a letter distributed at a high-profile event at Parliament House in February, eight Knesset members representing both governing and opposition factions warned that maintaining the current approach would ultimately reward Hamas and jeopardize the security of Israel.
The Message and Its Signatories
The letter, addressed specifically to Queensland LNP backbencher Andrew Wallace, argued that Australia’s bipartisan support for a Palestinian state has outlived its usefulness. The signatories contended that, in light of the recent October 7th massacre, creating a Palestinian state would serve to further endanger Israel by fulfilling what they described as “the sole, defining, antisemitic goal of Palestinian nationalism: the eradication of the Jewish state.” Among those who signed the letter are far-right figures from Israel’s parliament, including Ohad Tal of the Religious Zionism party, Almog Cohen of Otzma Yehudit (or “Jewish Power”), and Amit Halevi from Netanyahu’s Likud party. Tal even took to social media to underscore the urgency of his message, tweeting that the consequences of the massacre must “include the deletion of the two-state option rather than rewarding the savages who committed the massacre.”
Distribution at the Australia-Israel Allies Caucus Event
The letter was handed out during an event hosted by Andrew Wallace, the deputy chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security, which celebrated the launch of the Australia-Israel Allies Caucus. This caucus, composed predominantly of Coalition members, has been critical of the federal government’s approach to Israel. Although Guardian Australia has not identified the individuals seen distributing the letter, it is understood that Wallace permitted its circulation among the attendees. At the event, which saw several Coalition MPs and senators in attendance, the letter was presented as a “letter of encouragement” from Israeli politicians, aiming to influence Australia’s foreign policy stance.
Political Repercussions in Canberra
The letter’s arrival has ignited debate among Australian political circles as it directly challenges the bipartisan consensus that has long supported a two-state solution. While Australia’s major parties have maintained that the current policy ensures peaceful coexistence between Israel and a future Palestinian state, the Israeli signatories argue that the policy is outdated and counterproductive in the wake of escalating violence in the region. A spokesperson for the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, reiterated the government’s commitment to a two-state solution, emphasizing that both Israel and Palestine should “live side by side in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders.”
Opposition Perspectives and Policy Debate
On the other side of the political spectrum, opposition figures have shown mixed reactions. While some Coalition MPs see the letter as an external attempt to sway domestic policy, others have welcomed the opportunity to revisit Australia’s stance on the Middle East. The opposition maintains support for a negotiated two-state solution but has been critical of the Albanese government’s calls for restraint in the face of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Shadow ministers have promised to clarify their positions on the issue as part of their broader vision for Australia’s foreign policy, potentially setting the stage for a significant policy debate in the lead-up to the federal election.
Implications for Australia’s Foreign Policy
The call to drop the two-state solution is more than a symbolic gesture—it reflects growing concerns among some international political figures that current policies might be inadvertently undermining Israel’s security and stability in the region. With federal elections looming, the issue is expected to resurface prominently in political debates and campaign rhetoric. As Australia navigates its relationships in the Middle East, this development could force politicians to reconsider the balance between historical commitments and contemporary geopolitical realities.
What’s Next for Australian MPs?
The letter has left Australian MPs with a critical decision: whether to maintain the traditional bipartisan support for a two-state solution or to consider an alternative approach that aligns more closely with the views expressed by the Israeli signatories. As the federal election approaches, political parties are under increasing pressure to articulate their positions on this contentious issue. While some MPs remain firm in their support of the status quo, others may feel compelled to re-evaluate their stance in light of international developments and the shifting dynamics in regional politics.
International Reactions and Future Developments
The controversy has already drawn international attention, with analysts noting that the letter is a rare instance of foreign political figures attempting to influence domestic policy in Australia. This move has sparked criticism from various quarters, including advocacy groups and political commentators, who argue that such interference undermines democratic processes. Meanwhile, Australian political leaders have vowed to ensure that any decision regarding the two-state solution will be made independently, based on Australia’s national interests and longstanding policy frameworks.
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As the debate unfolds, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this call for policy change gains traction among Australian MPs. With federal elections on the horizon, the outcome of this internal policy debate could have far-reaching implications not only for Australia’s foreign policy but also for its standing on the global stage.
Conclusion
The letter signed by Israeli politicians represents a bold and controversial intervention in Australia’s longstanding two-state policy debate. By urging Australian MPs to abandon the two-state solution, the signatories have ignited a political firestorm that could reshape Australia’s approach to Middle East diplomacy. As federal elections draw near, the ultimate impact of this appeal remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the issue of Israel-Palestine policy is poised to become a defining topic in Australia’s political discourse, challenging both the government and opposition to reassess their priorities in an increasingly complex global environment.
