Australia would reverse its decision on Palestinian state recognition if there is a change of government in Australia, the country's Opposition Leader and Liberal Party head, Sussan Ley, told Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Sa'ar later revealed in a X/Twitter post on Monday.
Ley, believing that Australia's decision rewards Hamas, noted her disappointment at "this break with bipartisanship and reiterated the Coalition’s long-held position that recognition must only come at the end of a genuine two-state process," she wrote, also in a X/Twitter post. "Now is the wrong time while Hamas holds hostages and while conflict still rages.
The Australian official added that she spoke up for the concerns of her country's Jewish community and the rise of antisemitism, as well as the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. She then expressed her hope for the remaining 48 hostages in Gaza to be released, as well as for a halt to the fighting.
Sa'ar expressed appreciation for Ley's position on recognition of Palestinian statehood and invited the Australian official to visit Israel. He also informed her in his X post of Israel's objectives in the enclave, and, noting her concerns about the difficult conditions in the region, said that "efforts are being made to enable the continued flow of humanitarian assistance.
"I stressed that Israel is well aware of the many friends it has in Australia and distinguishes between the government and the people of Australia," Sa'ar said.
Ley's comments after Australia announces recognition with Canada, UK
Earlier, on Sunday, Australia announced its recognition of a Palestinian state in a coordinated effort with Canada and the UK, with Portugal announcing its recognition shortly after.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said these decisions were “an absurd reward for terrorism” and that the international community “will hear from us on this matter in the coming days.”
Mathilda Heller contributed to this report.