UPDATE: America’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has publicly condemned Australia’s recent decision to recognize Palestine, expressing strong disappointment and criticism over the announcement. The US was caught off-guard by the announcement made on Monday, according to Huckabee, who stated, “There is an enormous level of disappointment and some disgust.” This urgent diplomatic rift raises significant concerns about international relations and the ongoing conflict in the region.
During an interview on ABC’s 7.30 program on Thursday night, Huckabee articulated his discontent with the timing of Australia’s recognition of Palestine, which is set to be formally acknowledged at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York this September. He warned that this decision could inadvertently escalate tensions, stating, “What Australia and the other countries may have done inadvertently is to push Israel towards doing exactly what they’re afraid of.”
The Australian government’s announcement follows similar intentions from other Western allies, including the UK, France, and Canada, who plan to recognize Palestinian statehood under specific conditions. This move aims to address the ongoing violence in Gaza, which was ignited when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 hostages.
In response to Huckabee’s remarks, Federal Minister Mark Butler attempted to downplay the backlash, emphasizing that Australia’s decision is intended to create momentum to break the cycle of violence. On Friday, Butler stated, “At the end of the day, this is the ambassador to Israel—his job is to manage the relationship between America and Israel.” He reaffirmed, “We are convinced this is the right decision at the right time.”
Huckabee expressed that the US did not receive prior notice regarding Australia’s decision, creating further tension. However, Butler clarified that Foreign Minister Penny Wong had informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the public announcement, insisting that “there is a readout from the State Department about that conversation.”
Despite the US’s disapproval, the Albanese government remains steadfast. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has indicated that Australia’s recognition will hinge on a commitment that Hamas will not play a role in any future Palestinian state.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened significantly since the conflict escalated, with local health authorities reporting nearly 62,000 Palestinian deaths, including 18,000 children. According to the UN, 2.1 million people in Gaza are facing acute food insecurity, while 470,000 face catastrophic levels of food shortages. The ongoing violence and lack of negotiations are exacerbating this dire situation.
As international reactions unfold, Liberal senator Jane Hume voiced that the decision has bewildered many Americans, stating, “This decision by the Labor government has bewildered the Americans, that (the government) essentially departed from years of a strong alliance between Israel and America and Australia.” She warned that this could set back the peace process by weeks, months, or even years.
Moving forward, the Albanese government’s stance could lead to significant shifts in diplomatic relations not only with the US but also within the broader international community. The coalition has vowed to reverse Australia’s position if it secures victory in the next election, indicating that this decision is far from settled.
As developments continue, the world watches closely to see how this recognition will influence both the peace process and humanitarian efforts in the region.
