October 3, 2024
PM told to step up for Israel Anthony Albanese has been called out for not throwing his support behind Israel's attempts to hobble Hezbollah, with the Opposition accusing him of trying to "wish away" the terrorist organisation.
The Prime Minister was asked yesterday whether the Australian government supported Israel's "effort to take out Hezbollah's infrastructure", with Mr Albanese replying that his government had "been working with like-minded countries and issuing appropriate statements" calling for de-escalation in the region.
Mr Albanese also said "we regard Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation, as we regard Hamas as a terrorist organisation", but his answer still drew criticism from the Opposition.
Coalition home affairs spokesman James Paterson accused Mr Albanese of giving Israel "a moral lecture", in the wake of Iran firing hundreds of rockets into the country.
"Anthony Albanese seems to think you can wish away a terrorist organisation with diplomatic platitudes. But the sad reality is terrorists must be defeated militarily," Senator Paterson said.
"We would never accept what Israel has been forced to endure from Hezbollah over the last 12 months, including more than 9000 rockets fired into civilian areas in the north."
Senator Paterson said calls for de-escalation didn't reflect the assault Israel had found itself under.
"The least that a friend can do is stand by Israel as it seeks to protect its citizens from terrorism. But our weak Prime Minister can't even manage that and prefers to give Israel a moral lecture," he said.
Mr Albanese's comments contrasted with those of US President Joe Biden, who said his country "is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel" amid Iran's overnight wave of missiles fired toward Israel.
Mr Albanese said he had reiterated calls, alongside the US, the UK, the European Union and other countries "calling for a de-escalation".
"It is a good thing that it would appear that the defence of Israel, supported by the United States, has ensured that there is no loss of civilian life, it would appear at this stage," he said. "We're very concerned about Iran's actions, which is why we condemn them."
When asked if Israel was right to send troops into Lebanon, he said Israel "has a right to defend itself", before reiterating joint multinational calls for a "de-escalation".
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Peter Dutton said he was "determined to turn the tide of anti-Semitism afflicting our country", in a lengthy statement referencing the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, which began on Wednesday.
Mr Dutton said incidents of anti-Semitism had soared by 700 per cent over the last year, presenting "a threat to our social cohesion, to our democratic values, and to our way of life".
"I am determined to turn the tide of anti-Semitism afflicting our country through political leadership which provides moral clarity and acts with moral courage," he said.
