The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
Men's Weekly

.

Dutton tells Netanyahu he’d improve relations with Israel, as danger for Australians in Lebanon rises

  • Written by Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Peter Dutton has met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top figures in a three-day visit to Israel this week that has further underlined the unravelling of bipartisanship towards that country.

The opposition leader spent an hour with Netanyahu, alongside National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.

He also met Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Israel Katz, as well as visiting the area of the October 7 massacre by Hamas.

As tensions in the Middle East significantly escalate this week, the government is stepping up its efforts to get Australian citizens and residents to leave Lebanon.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has written to Lebanese community leaders in Australia asking for their “assistance in conveying an important message to members of the Lebanese-Australian community about the security situation in Lebanon”.

“I have grave concerns for the welfare of Australians and their families in Lebanon,” she wrote.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned: “There is a risk that the Beirut airport might not be open for commercial flights and given the numbers of people that are there, there is no guarantee that we can just guarantee that people will be able to come home through other means if that airport is shut.

"We say to people, listen to the warnings which are there.”

This week Israel killed Hezbollah’s top military commander, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut, in retaliation for a rocket attack that killed 12 children in the Golan Heights.

Israel is also facing the threat of a potential strike from Iran after the assassination this week of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh while he was in Tehran.

Dutton’s trip was paid for by the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, which has been a staunch defender of Israel and condemned[1] Australia’s vote in the UN General Assembly in May to support a Palestinian bid for full membership in the United Nations.

Dutton said that in his discussion with Netanyahu, “I sent a very clear message on behalf of the Coalition that should we win the next election, we look forward to the relationship becoming stronger and making sure that we can build off the platform of previous prime ministers, where the relationship has been close and has been strong and to our mutual benefit”.

“Israel has provided intelligence to Australia over a period of time, which has resulted in the lives of Australian diggers being saved in the Middle East. I think it’s a relationship that we need to rebuild, that we need to restore, and that we need to respect,” Dutton told Sky.

“From day one in government, we will make sure we prioritise the rebuilding of this relationship because it’s in Australia’s long-term interests.”

The opposition has repeatedly criticised Albanese for not visiting Israel in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Wong visited Israel on a trip to the region in January.

More generally, the gulf between Labor and the Coalition has increasingly widened over recent months. The opposition has thrown its weight completely behind Israel, while the government has been critical of its unrelenting attacks on Gaza and the dire humanitarian consequences of those.

The opposition has also accused the government of failing to respond adequately to rising antisemitism in Australia, criticism totally rejected by the government, which recently appointed an envoy to combat antisemitism.

In domestic political terms, Dutton’s trip will cement his support among Australia’s Jewish community. Labor finds itself caught: strong feelings among the pro-Palestinian community in Australia are putting the government under pressure especially in areas of western Sydney, with accusations it has not gone far enough to support the Palestinian cause.

References

  1. ^ condemned (aijac.org.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-dutton-tells-netanyahu-hed-improve-relations-with-israel-as-danger-for-australians-in-lebanon-rises-235953

Times Magazine

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

CNC Machining Meets Stage Design - Black Swan State Theatre Company & Tommotek

When artistry meets precision engineering, incredible things happen. That’s exactly what unfolded when Tommotek worked alongside the Black Swan State Theatre Company on several of their innovative stage productions. With tight deadlines and intrica...

The Times Features

Running Across Australia: What Really Holds the Body Together?

How William Goodge’s 3,800km run reveals the connection between movement, mindset, and mental resilience As a business owner, I’ve come to realise that the biggest wins rarely com...

Telehealth is Transforming Healthcare Services in Australia

It has traditionally not been easy to access timely healthcare in Australia, particularly for people who live in remote areas. Many of them spend hours on the road just to see a...

Launchd Acquires Huume, Strengthening Creative Firepower Across Talent-Led Marketing

Launchd, a leader in talent, technology and brand partnerships, has announced its acquisition of influencer talent management agency Huume from IZEA. The move comes as the medi...

Vietnam's "Gold Coast" Emerges as Extraordinary Investment Frontier and Australian Inspired Way of Life

$2 Billion super-city in Vung Tau set to replicate Australia's Gold Coast success story A culturally metamorphic development aptly named "Gold Coast" is set to reshape Vietna...

Choosing the Wrong Agent Is the #1 Regret Among Aussie Property Sellers

Selling your home is often one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make, and for many Australians, it’s also one of the most emotional. A new survey of Australian home se...

Travel Insurance for Families: What Does it Cover and Why it’s Essential

Planning a family trip is exciting, but unexpected mishaps can turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. That’s where travel insurance comes in—it’s your safety net when ...