A real friend to Israel would stand up for the rights of Palestinians, writes Professor Stuart Rees.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has invited the Israeli Prime Minister to visit Australia because of “our absolute and enduring commitment to the State of Israel and our friendship”.
It could be argued that principles of freedom of speech justify the invitation. If that’s the case, Palestinian leaders should also be visiting this country.
A second issue concerns the preparation of questions for the Israeli Prime Minister about international law and human rights. Such questions should not be deflected by the inevitable and diplomatically safer discussion about innovation and cyber security.
Posters advertising Prime Minister’s Netanyahu’s arrival this week depict him as a war criminal who should be appearing before the International Criminal Court (ICC). What evidence would substantiate these claims?
Read the article by Stuart Rees on New Matilda.