The Greens call on the Australian Government to add its voice to global calls and forcefully speak out against the Israeli Government’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank in clear violation of international law.
Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt said: “There has been an increasing and overwhelming chorus of global voices condemning the Israeli Government’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank as soon as 1 July.
“Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump have virtually no support on the international stage from leaders across the political spectrum, including many Jewish supporters of Israel internationally and in Australia. Yet the Australian Government remains resolutely silent, offering tacit approval for a plan that is an indisputably grave breach of international law, thwarts Palestinians’ right to self-determination, destabilises the entire region and further jeopardises the prospects of a two-state solution.”
“This plan is not only a further blow to Palestinian human rights after decades of occupation and de facto annexation through settlement construction. It is also detrimental to Israel’s security – a point made by many in Israel’s security establishment – and it is a disaster for Israel’s democracy.”
“The misguided and dangerous plan for annexation is driven by the far right in Israel and the US. It is designed to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state, not to create conditions for peace. It’s well past time for Australia to show some leadership and speak out. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Marise Payne must make clear to the Israeli Government that serious breaches of international law have diplomatic consequences, including the possibility of Australia joining internationally coordinated sanctions should annexation proceed.”
“This annexation is not a done deal – pressure from countries like Australia can make a difference. There has never been a more critical time for the Australian Government to speak against this gross breach of international law.”
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