‘An unambiguous, unapologetic friend of Israel’
MINISTER for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop MP impressed the hundreds in attendance at Chabad North Shore’s 25th anniversary gala dinner last week, declaring the Australian government to be “unambiguously, unapologetically, unreservedly a staunch friend of Israel”.
Bishop, the guest of honour at the celebration on Thursday night, spoke extensively on issues including the Jewish contribution to Australia’s war efforts during World War I, the importance of a two-state solution, Iran’s nuclear threat, and ways in which the relationship between Australia and Israel could be further enhanced.
“Sixty-seven years after its creation, Australia remains one of Israel’s strongest international supporters,” Bishop said.
“Australia, with other close partners like the United States and Canada, is rightly viewed by Israel as a bulwark against what can be seen as the capriciousness and hypocrisy of some in the international community.”
In this climate she noted that in 2013 the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted 21 resolutions that singled out Israel for condemnation.
“Only four resolutions were critical of any other country. Clearly, when we look around the world today, this is a ludicrous record,” she said.
“Australia utterly and absolutely rejects attempts to undermine Israel’s legitimacy – including through fringe groups like the pernicious boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. Israelis have the right to live within secure borders, in peace and security.”
While noting that Australia’s support for this right remains “steadfast” in the UN, she also emphasised Australia’s recognition of the “legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood”.
“We believe that Israel, no matter what the political stripe of the elected government, must remain committed to, indeed actively pursue, a two-state peace settlement. Australia remains committed to a two-state solution,” she said.
“Bilateral engagement and negotiation is the only realistic path to peace. Statehood cannot be achieved by unilateral decree, which is why Australia voted against the recent UN Security Council resolution on Palestinian statehood.
“This resolution lacked any balance, and sought to impose a solution put forward by one party alone. That is not the way to create lasting peace and security.”
Moving on to discuss other challenges faced in the Middle East region, Bishop spoke about the threat of ISIL.
“Not only are they committing unspeakable atrocities against the people of Iraq and Syria, they are drawing in foreign fighters from many countries, including Australia,” she said.
She discussed measures Australia is taking to counter this “violent extremism”, including dedicating resources to fighting terrorist propaganda online, engaging in summits with leaders from the region, while Bishop herself has cancelled approximately 115 Australian passports to prevent citizens from joining the conflicts abroad.
“None of us, as supporters of freedom and democracy and the rule of law, can sit back and tolerate the appalling events that are unfolding in Iraq and Syria.”
She talked about her recent visit to Iran, which was subject to some criticism at the time.
“It was an important visit – Australia has many vital interests in the region. But I should make clear – Australia’s sanctions against Iran, both United Nations and autonomous, remain firmly in place,” she said, adding that the Israeli leadership was aware of the reasons for her visit.
“Dialogue, negotiation and, ultimately, an agreement that includes an inspections regime of Iran’s nuclear facilities, are all far preferable to a future where Iran’s nuclear capabilities are unknown.”
On a brighter note, Bishop said there is scope to deepen the already strong connection between Australia and Israel, in areas including biotechnology, information and communications technology, agriculture, and education.
“I’d also like to boost our political ties through more regular bilateral visits,” she said. “Australia is yet to host a visit from a sitting Prime Minister of Israel … I’d very much like to break that drought. I’d very much like to welcome Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu, as I’m sure you would too.”
Also speaking on the night was elite IDF commander Sassy Reuven, who shared his remarkable accounts of the famed Entebbe rescue mission of July 1976.
PHOEBE ROTH
Julie Bishop addressing Chabad North Shore’s 25 anniversary gala dinner last week. Photo: Noel Kessel
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