Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar have had a “sharp verbal clash” during a phone call, as the Israeli government continues its criticism of Australian foreign policy.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry told the ABC that Senator Wong initiated this first call with the newly appointed Israeli foreign minister.
Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported that the call between Senator Wong and Mr Sa’ar was an attempt to find a way for the two countries to work together but it quickly turned when she told him Israel was not doing enough humanitarian work for Gaza civilians. Israel has been accused of severely limiting aid from entering the Gaza Strip, with its own data showing deliveries crossing the border into Gaza in October were at their lowest levels since the start of the war with Hamas.
Deliveries have ticked upwards slightly since then.
The Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF’s) recent bombardment of northern Gaza has resulted in almost no aid reaching the area. Israel insists it is up to humanitarian agencies to organise deliveries, while aid groups argue it is too dangerous to do the work.
The newspaper, which frequently takes a pro-Netanyahu government stance, editorialised in describing Senator Wong as “belonging to the most anti-Israeli faction in her party”, in its report of the phone call.
Mr Sa’ar reportedly said: “Australia has chosen to distance itself from Israel in its most difficult year, when it has fought against its bitterest enemies.” Israel’s top diplomat accused Australia of weakening its support for Israel in international forums, in a clear reference to Australia’s recent votes in the United Nations.
The report said Mr Sa’ar also raised the decision to block a former Israeli government minister from travelling to Australia, asking Senator Wong how she would react if Israel acted in such a way towards a former Australian politician.
He mentioned the Addas synagogue firebombing, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously argued cannot be separated from the Albanese government’s “anti-Israeli position”.
Mr Sa’ar took issue with comments she made in a speech last week mentioning Israel, Russia and China as countries that should respect international law. “Israel is a Western democratic state that upholds the rule of law, has an independent judiciary, and adheres to international law,” Mr Sa’ar reportedly said.
“In the past year, Israel has fought the radical axis led by Iran, which is supported by Russia and China.”
After that speech, Senator Wong explained her comments.
“The point I was making in this speech is that international law applies to all of us — it applies to Australia, it applies to all nations, and it’s very important for Australia to continue to advocate for the rules and norms that we are part of,” she said.
In response to the article in Israel Hayom, Senator Wong’s office downplayed the reported tension during the call.
“Minister Wong spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to reiterate Australia’s concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the need for humanitarian assistance and our repeated calls for the release of all hostages,” a spokesperson said.
“Minister Wong also noted that Australia’s position reflected that of many other countries.
“She conveyed Australia’s commitment to countering anti-Semitism and hate in all forms.
“It was a direct but respectful call where ministers explained their perspectives.”
The foreign minister said she articulated Australia’s position on calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and the provision of aid into Gaza to her counterpart, but did not go into further detail. The federal opposition has sought to use the strained ties between the Australian and Israeli governments in its domestic political attacks, accusing the prime minister of failing to support Israel strongly enough in the wake of the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

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