Australia is sticking with its longstanding support for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine despite US President Donald Trump’s apparent retreat from the policy.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the government’s position had not changed on supporting a two-state solution.
“That will best secure the interests and security of both peoples,” Mr Turnbull told Sky New Business on Thursday night.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Australia encouraged both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to negotiate an outcome that would see Israelis and Palestinians living side by side, within internationally recognised borders, in a peaceful and stable environment.
Mr Trump dumped America’s long-running support for the establishment of separate states for Israel and Palestinians after he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington DC on Wednesday.
“I’m looking at two states and one state and I like the one that both parties like,” Mr Trump said.
“I can live with either one. I’m happy with the one they like best.”
Report from Belinda Tasker (AAP) in the Geelong Advertiser.