Australia joined demand for Israel to withdraw from Gaza to win back 'green votes', Dutton claims
Peter Dutton says the government abandoned Australia's Jewish community by backing a resolution calling for Israel's withdrawal from the Occupied Territories. (ABC News: Andrew O'Connor)
In short:
Australia has voted in favour of a UN resolution calling on Israel to withdraw from Gaza.
Peter Dutton has accused the government of shifting its stance to claw back votes going to the Greens.
What's next?
The federal government says it will continue to push for an end to violence and a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has accused the government of "selling out" Israel in order to win votes by joining an international demand that Israel withdraw from Gaza.
Australia shifted its stance to support a United Nations resolution demanding "Israel bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible".
The Occupied Palestinian Territories include the West Bank surrounding Jerusalem, where Israel has been expanding illegal settlements, and Gaza on the coast.
Australia, along with 156 other nations, supported the motion, with seven abstaining and another eight including the United States and Israel voting against it.
Mr Dutton said the government's decision was at odds with a promise made before the last election not to shift Australia's position on key UN votes.
He accused the government of shifting its stance in order to shore up votes in Labor seats being targeted by the Greens.
"I think the prime minister stands condemned … it's for votes. He sold the Jewish community out for 'green' votes," Mr Dutton said.
"They have been prepared to sacrifice the wellbeing of the Jewish community here in Australia to do so."
The Greens have forcefully advocated for an end to Israel's invasion, and called for sanctions to be imposed on the state.
There has been a backlash to the federal government's response to the invasion in some Labor-held seats with large Muslim communities — which the government has accused the Greens of exploiting.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers accused Mr Dutton of "playing divisive politics with a very sensitive issue".
He said the government's position reflected Labor's view that "the best peaceful outcome here is a two-state solution … The statement of explanation that has been published by Australia in relation to this sets out our reasons for the positions that we have taken."
Australia among UK, France, Canada in supporting resolution
The UN General Assembly has previously passed resolutions demanding Israel's withdrawal, which Australia abstained from.
Australia's ambassador to the UN said the vote restored Australia's position to the same it held up until 2001.
Ambassador James Larsen said before that date, the entire international community had worked towards recognising Palestinian statehood, and Australia's vote "reflects our determination that the international community again work together to build momentum towards this goal".
In a statement, a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government would pursue action that contributed to peace.
"As a constructive middle power, Australia approaches UN resolutions to try to achieve the best outcomes we can," a spokesperson said.
"We don't always get everything we want. But if, on balance, we believe the resolution will contribute to peace and a two-state solution, we will vote for it.
"On our own, Australia has few ways to move the dial in the Middle East. Our only hope is working within the international community to push for an end to the cycle of violence and work toward a two-state solution."
Australia's ambassador to the UN James Larsen said the shift in stance restored an earlier position held by Australia. (X: AustraliaUN)
Mr Dutton claimed the vote put Prime Minister Anthony Albanese "out of step with his contemporaries in like-minded countries, not just the United States."
The UN resolution was opposed by the US, Israel, Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and Papua New Guinea.
Cameroon, Czechia, Ecuador, Georgia, Paraguay, Ukraine and Uruguay abstained.
Liberal deputy says UN motion rewards Hamas
Earlier, Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told Sky News demanding Israel's withdrawal was "rewarding terrorists" who provoked a full-scale conflict in their attack on Israel on October 7 last year.
"We still have hostages in tunnels under Gaza," Ms Ley said.
"We still have Hamas in the Gaza Strip, almost in control. And how is this not rewarding terrorists at this point in time?"
The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council said it was deeply disappointed by the changed stance.
"This is a resolution that puts many obligations on Israel but asks nothing of the Palestinians. It is woefully one-sided," the lobby group's executive director Colin Rubinstein said.