Australia Should Sanction Netanyahu and Recognize Palestine, Says Bob Carr

Strategic Insights -

Former Labor foreign minister Bob Carr is calling for the Australian government to sanction Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and swiftly recognize Palestine statehood, amid growing outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Carr praised Anthony Albanese's recent statement condemning Israel, but argued that Australia should take a more decisive stance and follow France's lead in pledging to recognize a Palestinian state. He also suggested that the government impose sanctions on Netanyahu, accusing him of subjecting the civilian population to collective punishment.

Carr, a former NSW state premier and Labor elder, believes that recognition of a Palestinian state has majority support in Australian society and would send a strong message against the "deliberate starvation" of Gaza. He noted that Labor's rank-and-file membership is virtually unanimous on this issue, and that a motion calling for Australia to sanction the Israeli government has been adopted by 80 local branches.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former Labor foreign minister Bob Carr is calling for the Australian government to sanction Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and recognize Palestine statehood.
  • Carr believes that recognition of a Palestinian state has majority support in Australian society and would send a strong message against the "deliberate starvation" of Gaza.
  • Labor's rank-and-file membership is virtually unanimous on this issue, with a motion calling for Australia to sanction the Israeli government adopted by 80 local branches.
  • The Australian government has imposed travel bans and financial sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, and Carr suggests that similar action should be taken against Netanyahu.
  • The Labor Friends of Palestine, an internal pressure group, has written a motion calling for Australia to sanction the Israeli government and recognize a Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders.
  • A similar motion may be debated at the Victorian state conference in August.

Statistics:

  • At least 45 people have died of hunger in Gaza in the past four days, with international humanitarian organisations blaming the Israeli blockade for the lack of food.
  • Over 80 local Labour branches have adopted a motion calling for Australia to sanction the Israeli government and recognize a Palestinian state.
  • A two-state solution is the only hope for peace and breaking the cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians, according to Australian foreign minister Penny Wong.

Sources:

  • The Guardian Australia: "Bob Carr calls for Australia to sanction Netanyahu and recognise Palestine statehood"
  • The Australian Labor Party: Labour Friends of Palestine
  • United Nations: Reporting on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
  • Austrian foreign minister Penny Wong: Statement on Gaza
  • Former NSW premier and federal foreign minister Bob Carr: Interview with Guardian Australia