Former prime ministers Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott, whose famous clashes were some of the most hostile in Australian political history, will both be presented with honorary doctorates by Israeli universities this week.
Mr Abbott, a staunch backer of Israel, will be honoured by Tel Aviv University on Thursday while Ms Gillard, also sympathetic to the Zionist cause, is heading to Ben-Gurion University on Tuesday for what will be her third honorary degree.
“The Israelis, in their wisdom, are giving me an honorary doctorate from Tel Aviv University later in the week,” the former Liberal leader told Sydney radio station 2GB, speaking from Jordan.
“And I’ll also have the chance to discuss the wider security situation and I’m also hoping to visit some Australian troops who are visiting this part of the world.”
Read the full article by Fergus Hunter at The Sydney Morning Herald.