US Ambassador Says Ties With Australia at ‘Point of Stress’ Over Palestine Recognition

He says Australia’s recognition of Palestine risks emboldening Hamas.
US Ambassador Says Ties With Australia at ‘Point of Stress’ Over Palestine Recognition
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong (L) listens to Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he speaks during a press conference in Canberra, Australia on Aug. 11, 2025. Hilary Wardhaugh/AFP via Getty Images
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The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has strongly criticised Australia’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state, calling Washington’s response one of “very, very strong disappointment” and even “disgust.”

Huckabee said the move would embolden Hamas, stall progress with the Palestinian Authority, and push Israel closer to annexing parts of the West Bank—land Palestinians want for a future state.

Naziya Alvi Rahman
Naziya Alvi Rahman
Author
Naziya Alvi Rahman is a Canberra-based journalist who covers political issues in Australia. She can be reached at [email protected].