Despite requests from the federal opposition to visit Israel in the midst of the Gaza conflict, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed he will not do so.
“I don’t currently have any plans to travel to the Middle East,” Albanese stated on Friday in Perth.
The prime minister went on to say that Australian security agencies “did not disagree” with his stance.
Albanese noted that interacting with Australian delegates from all sides of the dispute has been his first objective.
“I’ve engaged, I have met personally with the Israeli ambassador, I had him to my residence, and had discussions with leaders of the Palestinian community, leaders of the Jewish community here in Australia,” he stated.
On Monday, the Prime Minister will travel to the United States to meet with Joe Biden. Peter Dutton, the leader of the opposition, has suggested that Albanese should make a detour in Tel Aviv while travelling to Washington.
Israel has recently been visited by US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who has reportedly stated that he will make an Israel visit in the coming days or weeks.
But the prime minister of Australia noted that these countries, along with China and Russia, are among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Putting his US tour front and centre, Albanese expressed his gratitude for accepting President Biden’s offer to make an official visit to Washington, DC.
“Australia and the United States have a longstanding relationship, based on deep friendship and trust and a shared commitment to peace, the rule of law and the values of democracy,” he stated.
“My visit is an important opportunity to discuss our ambitious climate and clean energy transition, and shared goal of a strong, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
