Greens senator David Shoebridge has tried to suspend standing orders to move a motion to push the government to rescind Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s invitation to Australia, criticising Labor for “providing a red carpet for a man who incited genocide”.
Herzog is scheduled to make a five-day visit to Australia between 8 and 12 February to meet with federal members and commemorate the victims of the Bondi terror attack, in which 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration.
“When someone is accused by the United Nations of inciting genocide, you don’t invite them for tea, you don’t give them a platform, and you certainly don’t welcome them as a guest of honour,” Shoebridge said.
A UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which does not speak on behalf of the world body and has faced harsh Israeli criticism, concluded in September that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza.
The commission also accused Herzog, former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant, and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of genocidal intent.
Israel also faces an ongoing genocide case in the International Court of Justice. The court is yet to issue its final ruling. Israel has denied accusations that it has committed genocide.
Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Michaelia Cash said the Opposition wouldn’t support the motion, criticising the Greens senator for using Australia’s relationship with Israel “as a prop” and for “parliamentary theatrics”.
She also said the timing of Herzog’s visit “is of vital importance to the Jewish community” following the Bondi terror attack.
The government also did not support the motion.
NSW Police has since announced a two-week extension to protest restrictions “in consideration of community safety” during Herzog’s upcoming visit and the surrounding backlash.
Read more on protest restrictions ahead of Herzog’s visit here: https://bit.ly/3NRGiIs
