Australia’s Greens – trail-blazers on Palestine-Israel

The Greens have adopted a new policy position on Palestine and Israel which expresses concern that Israel’s “ongoing colonisation of Palestinian land” is eroding the potential for a two-state solution and states that “Israel is practising the crime of apartheid”.

The updated resolution — which was backed by Greens MPs and senators and drafted in collaboration with Greens for Palestine and Jewish Greens — was formally adopted at the party’s national conference on Sunday.

While the Greens have long called for Australia to recognise Palestinian statehood, the party has hardened its language against Israel and urged the government to boycott meetings with far-right Israeli ministers.

“The state of Israel continues to deny the right of self-determination to Palestinians and continues to dispossess them of their land,” the resolution states.

“We aim to rectify this injustice in a way that will allow both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, security and equality, exercising self-determination as described by the United Nations Charter.”

Since the Greens’ previous policy on the issue was adopted in 2010, two leading international human rights organisations have joined groups in the region to accuse Israel of committing apartheid through its policies towards and treatment of Palestinians.

The party’s new policy document says: “The state of Israel is practising the crime of apartheid against Palestinians as noted by prominent human rights organisations – including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, as well as Palestinian and Israeli groups including al-Haq, Yesh Din and B’Tselem.”

It also states that “Israel’s ongoing colonisation of Palestinian land is rendering a two-state solution unachievable” and says the rise in right wing extremism is “contributing to the intensification of repression, violence and a further worsening of the humanitarian situation for Palestinians”.

The Israeli government has previously dismissed the findings and accused the organisations of peddling an “anti-Israel agenda” and pouring “fuel on the fire of anti-Semitism”.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the Australian government supports a two-state solution and has urged Israel against expanding and building settlements in the occupied West Bank which are illegal under international law.

“The Australian Government recognises the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own and is committed to a negotiated two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders,” the statement said.

“We have consistently called on all parties to refrain from activities that diminish the prospects of a negotiated two-state solution, including settlement activity in the Palestinian Territories.”

“The Australian Government will engage with members of the Israeli government as appropriate and necessary. We have a longstanding relationship with Israel that allows us to have frank discussions with the Israeli Government, including on areas of disagreement.”

Last year Foreign Minister Penny Wong rejected the use of the term “apartheid” arguing “it’s not a term that’s been found to apply by any international court and is not helpful in progressing the meaningful dialogue and negotiation necessary to achieve a just and enduring peace”.

Labor’s 2021 national platform calls “on the next Labor Government to recognise Palestine as a state” and to treat it as an important priority.

Greens call for boycott of far-right ministers

Greens leader Adam Bandt has also called on the Albanese government to boycott meetings with two far-right Israeli government ministers.

Israel’s Minister for National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has been convicted on numerous charges including supporting a terrorist organisation and incitement to racism, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich publicly said a Palestinian village should be “wiped out”.

Last month a European Union delegation reportedly cancelled a diplomatic event over the planned attendance of Mr Ben-Gvir, while in March US officials declined to address a conference where Mr Smotrich was a guest speaker.

Greens Senator and Foreign Relations spokesperson Jordon Steele-John. (ABC News: Luke Stephenson)

“Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is increasingly a threat to both Palestinian self-determination and Israeli democracy, with far-right nationalist Ministers terrifyingly committed to violence against Palestinians,” Mr Bandt said.

“Far-right Ministers are making justice and peace impossible, and it’s time Australia refused to meet with these Ministers and redoubled the push for peace.”

The ABC understands there are no meetings currently planned between Australian ministers or officials and the pair, who hold portfolios that give them responsibility for major security functions in Israel and policies in the West Bank.

Greens Foreign Relations spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said Australia should also apply Magnitsky-style sanctions against them.

“These two right-wing extremists are being rejected not only by foreign governments, but by progressive Jewish people across the world, who see that their actions and language are further pushing the Israeli government to the far-right, and rendering a two-state solution unachievable,” Senator Steele-John said.

“Australia needs to join an open, human rights-aligned public debate about the state of Israel’s policies toward, and treatment of, Palestinian people.

“This should start with boycotts and Magnitsky-style sanctions on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich.”

Greens oppose IHRA definition of anti-Semitism

The Greens have also rejected a controversial definition of anti-Semitism adopted by the Morrison government, and backed by Labor, which critics say stifles legitimate criticism against the government of Israel.

The party’s resolution states that “criticism of Israeli government policies and actions is not anti-Semitic” and the party opposes the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism because it “conflates criticism of the state of Israel with anti-Semitism”.

Ms Wong has previously said the definition is “so important because it ensures respectful debate, where disagreements are aired without descending into hateful and anti-Semitic slurs”.

The ABC has requested comment from the Israeli embassy.

Posted 5 Jun 2023

A reply to an enquiry on Green policy on Palestine-Israel

Dear Martin

Thank you for contacting my office regarding the rights of the Palestinian people.

I am proud to email you today to let you know that the Australian Greens have announced an updated resolution titled “Justice and Human Rights in Palestine and Israel”.

The resolution is proudly bold and progressive in championing Palestinian human rights and actions that the Greens are calling on the Australian Government to take to ensure that Israel is held accountable for their illegal occupation, settlement activity and human rights abuses against Palestinians.

After reviewing our announcement, The Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network has said: “Australian Palestinians and those who care about justice for Muslims, Jews and Christians in the Holy Land will be heartened by the truth-telling language in this policy document. This new Greens position marks it as one of the most progressive major parties in the Western world.” You can read their full statement here.

I would like to thank all those in the community who have worked with the Greens in the development of this resolution. Here are some key points that I am proud are included in the resolution:

• The state of Israel continues to deny the right of self-determination to Palestinians and continues to dispossess them of their land. We aim to rectify this injustice in ways that will allow both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, security and equality, exercising self-determination as described by the United Nations Charter.
• Support freedom and statehood for the Palestinian people.
• Recognise that Israel’s ongoing colonisation of Palestinian land is rendering a two-state solution unachievable.
• Recognise that the state of Israel is practising the crime of apartheid against Palestinians as noted by prominent human rights organisations – including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, as well as Palestinian and Israeli groups including al-Haq, Yesh Din and B’Tselem.
• Recognise that the rise of right-wing extremism in Israel is contributing to the intensification of repression, violence and a further worsening of the humanitarian situation for Palestinians.
• In accordance with the Australian Greens Resolution on Boycotts, Divestments & Targeted Sanctions, support the tactics of boycotts, divestments and targeted sanctions that are strategic and human rights aligned on:
  • Government representatives, institutions and state-affiliated entities of the state of Israel and the Israeli military and/or;
  • Corporations, entities and organisations that profit from or are complicit in the violation of Palestinian human rights
• Affirm that criticism of Israeli government policies and actions is not antisemitic, and therefore oppose the adoption and enforcement of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism which conflates criticism of the state of Israel with antisemitism. Recognise the rise of hateful and violent racism and bigotry including antisemitism and Islamophobia in Australia and commit to the development of thorough anti-racism policies.
• Call upon the Australian and State governments to halt military and security trade and cooperation with the state of Israel.

Additionally, I have announced this week that the Greens are calling on the Australian Government to place targeted Magnitsky-style sanctions, and a boycott of meetings with, Itamar Ben Gvir, the Israeli Minister for National Security, and Bezalel Smotrich, the Minister for Finance. These are far-right figures in the Israeli government who have in recent months been the subject of escalating international criticism for their role in increasing violence against Palestinians.

I and my colleagues will continue to amplify the plight of Palestinians in the Australian Parliament, and push the Government to keep the state of Israel accountable for their actions to ensure that Palestinian human rights and freedom are protected.

In solidarity,

Jordon Steele-John
Greens Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs + Peace

Full Statement from The Australian Greens
Justice and Human Rights in Palestine and Israel

The state of Israel continues to deny the right of self-determination to Palestinians and continues to dispossess them of their land. We aim to rectify this injustice in ways that will allow both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, security and equality, exercising self-determination as described by the United Nations Charter.

Principles

1. Recognise that the state of Israel’s ongoing occupation of the Palestinian territories and the
expropriation of Palestinian land, water, airspace, and resources is illegal and must be opposed.

2. Recognise that the September 2022 Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur found that “the occupation is not merely belligerent,  but is settler colonial in nature and that Israel has prevented the realisation of Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, violating each component of that right, wilfully pursuing the “de-Palestinianisation” of the occupied territory.”

3. Support freedom and statehood for the Palestinian people.

4. Recognise that our ability to resolve the climate crisis is made more difficult by the ongoing violent conflict in the region and peace and stability are required for regional and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

5. Call on all parties to comply with international law, relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Conventions, the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid.

6. Recognise that the state of Israel, as the sole State power exercising control over all Palestinians, has the primary obligation to comply with such laws.

7. Recognise that Israel’s ongoing colonisation of Palestinian land is rendering a two- state solution unachievable.

8. Reject and condemn all forms of violence, especially against civilians, whether perpetrated by a state, organisations or individuals, while recognising the right of the Palestinian people to resist Israeli occupation in accordance with international law.

9. Oppose all forms of racism, religious or cultural intolerance and discrimination, in Australia and internationally

10. Demand the protection of human rights in the Palestinian territories and Israel

11. Recognise that the state of Israel is practising the crime of apartheid against Palestinians as noted by prominent human rights organisations – including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, as well as Palestinian and Israeli groups including al-Haq, Yesh Din and B’Tselem.

12. Recognise the Right of Return of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to their place of origin through a just and acceptable solution based on UN Resolution 194, or compensation for those who choose not to return. Additionally, support the establishment of international mechanisms guided by international law to facilitate this outcome.

13. Recognise that the rise of right-wing extremism in Israel is contributing to the intensification of repression, violence and a further worsening of the humanitarian situation for Palestinians.

14. In accordance with the Australian Greens Resolution on Boycotts, Divestments & Targeted Sanctions, support the tactics of boycotts, divestments and targeted sanctions that are strategic and human rights aligned on:

a) Government representatives, institutions and state-affiliated entities of the state of Israel and the
Israeli military and/or;
b) Corporations, entities and organisations that profit from or are complicit in the violation of
Palestinian human rights

15. Affirm that criticism of Israeli government policies and actions is not antisemitic, and therefore
oppose the adoption and enforcement of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance
definition of antisemitism which conflates criticism of the state of Israel with antisemitism.
Recognise the rise of hateful and violent racism and bigotry including antisemitism and
Islamophobia in Australia and commit to the development of thorough anti-racism policies.
16. Support and promote an open, human rights-aligned public debate about the state of Israel’s
policies toward, and treatment of, Palestinian people.

17. Recognise the particular impact on children living under military occupation and exposed to conflict,
in terms of their physical, psychosocial and social development needs.

18. Recognise that the state of Israel’s policy of conscription has involved young people in conflict and
occupation which is counter to the goals of peace.

Goals

The Australian Greens will work for:

19. The end of the occupation of the Palestinian territories and the removal of the Separation Wall.

20. The removal of Israeli settlers and Israeli security and military forces from all the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including the land and sea blockade of Gaza.

21. The equitable allocation of all natural resources, including water.

22. Full equality before the law for every person, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, language, race, gender identity, class, disability, sexuality, or other social status.

23. The Australian government to join the international community in recognising the statehood of Palestinians and maintain the position of not recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

24. The support of progressive political and civil society movements within the state of Israel and in the Palestinian Territories

25. The Australian Government to recognise and uphold the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court in relation to investigations into the actions of members of the government of the state of Israel, the Israeli Defence Force, Palestinian Authorities and armed groups to ensure individuals found to be responsible for crimes under international law are brought to justice. Additionally, the Australian Government to use all diplomatic and peaceful means to ensure all parties to any such investigation cooperate and comply fully with all requests, requirements and rulings of the Court.

26. The Australian Government to support initiatives in the United Nations, including the International
Court of Justice, to hold the state of Israel, Palestinian Authorities and armed groups accountable for
crimes under international law and other serious human rights violations; including but not limited
to the expansion of illegal settlements, targeting of civilians, treatment of civilian populations within
their jurisdictions and treatment of enemy combatants under their control.

27. Australia to promote human rights of Palestinians in its diplomatic relationships with those directly or indirectly involved in the conflict.

28. The involvement of progressive women’s organisations in establishing and building peace, in line with the principles set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

29. The Australian Government to increase support for NGOs promoting peace with justice for all Palestinians and Israelis.

30. The Australian Government to work for UN-supervised removal of all weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, from all states in the region.

31. In independent Australian foreign policy in relation to South West Asia and North Africa region, based on principles of peace, disarmament, ecology, self determination and human rights.

As preliminary steps to the achievement of the goals, the Australian Greens call for:

1. The immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Israeli military from all Palestinian cities, towns, refugee camps, surrounding areas and transport routes, allowing freedom of movement of Palestinians.

2. The immediate release of Palestinian political prisoners and all Palestinian child prisoners held in Israeli detention.

3. The end of dispossession and destruction of Palestinian homes by the authorities of the state of Israel and Israeli settlers.

4. Palestinian control of their borders with Jordan and Egypt.

5. The immediate freezing of all Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including expansion, and the simultaneous commencement of the repatriation of the Israeli settlers from the Palestinian territories.

6. The immediate dismantling of the separation wall.

7. The deployment of an international peacekeeping force endorsed by the United Nations to monitor the implementation of the above preliminaries by the parties; ensure that civilian populations are not exposed to the risk of hostile attack; and provide assistance to re-establish infrastructure.

8. An immediate end to refusal of, or hindrance to, medical aid to Palestinians and an end to the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure, agriculture and homes by authorities of the state of Israel and Israeli settlers.

9. International support to establish a joint healing process, based upon the principles of a truth and reconciliation commission.

10. Australian, international and Israeli assistance programs in the Palestinian territories which together are sufficient to repair and rebuild Palestinian infrastructure, institutions, agriculture and the environment, and democratic civil society.

11. UN-endorsed measures, such as targeted sanctions, as needed and in conformity with Australian Greens policies.

12. An end to Australian taxation deductions for donations to states, institutions and organisations engaged in violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in Israel and Palestine, including settlement activity.

13. Given the continuing disregard by the state of Israel of calls to halt settlement expansion in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the Australian Greens:

14. Call upon the Australian and State governments to halt military and security trade and cooperation with the state of Israel.

15. Reiterate our call for the immediate freezing of all Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

16. Call for the removal of existing Israeli settlers and Israeli security and military forces from the Occupied Palestinian Territories.