Australian Labor Maintains Israel a ‘Close Friend’ Despite UN Vote for Palestine Statehood

The Labor government has faced criticism for trying to appease both Israel and Palestine supporters.

A cyclist wearing the flag of Israel is seen during an art exhibition and demonstration at Centennial Park in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 14, 2024. Jenny Evans/Getty Images

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles maintains Australia remains a “close friend of Israel” despite splitting from the United States and Israel on a key U.N. vote.

The Australian Labor government voted for a U.N. resolution (pdf) calling for Israel to end its “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible.”