Australia Votes for UN Resolution Calling for Israel's Withdrawal from West Bank and Gaza

In a significant shift in foreign policy, Australia on Tuesday voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from the West Bank and Gaza. This marked a departure from its long-standing position of opposing such measures for over two decades.

The resolution passed with overwhelming support, receiving 157 votes in favor, 8 against, including the United States and Israel, and 7 abstentions. It expresses strong backing for the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, envisioning two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, based on the pre-1967 borders.

In a move to revitalize peace efforts, the Assembly also called for a high-level international meeting in New York in June 2025, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, to reinvigorate diplomatic efforts toward achieving the two-state solution.

Australia's Shift in Policy

A spokesperson for Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that Australia’s vote reflects its commitment to contributing to peace and a viable two-state solution. This is the first time since 2001 that Australia has supported the resolution. Australia's UN Ambassador, James Larsen, explained that a two-state solution is the "only hope" for ending the cycle of violence and ensuring a secure future for both peoples.

However, the decision has sparked criticism from Australia's Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, who accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of "selling out" the country's Jewish community in pursuit of progressive voters.

A Changing Stance on Palestinian Rights

In recent months, Australia has shifted its stance on Palestinian rights within the UN. Earlier this year, it voted in favor of recognizing Palestinians as qualified for full UN membership and supported resolutions acknowledging Palestinian sovereignty in the West Bank and Gaza.

Rising Antisemitism in Australia

Parallel to these shifts in government policy, there has been a significant rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia. According to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), the number of anti-Jewish incidents has surged by 316% since October 7, 2023. This includes physical assaults, harassment, vandalism, and antisemitic graffiti. Many incidents also feature calls for violence against Jews.

The ECAJ has expressed concern over the failure of universities to adequately address antisemitism, despite some recent improvements. The organization has called for universities to adopt stronger measures, including comprehensive training on antisemitism, better reporting systems, and the inclusion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism.