The focus needs to be on a return to direct and genuine negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for a durable and resilient peace arrangement, as soon as possible. Australia has raised our concerns with Israel in relation to indications of annexations, and I have done so directly with my Israeli counterpart.
Full speech
Rebekha Sharkie: asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs on 18 June 2020 :
1. Does the Government have a position on the proposed annexation of the Jordan Valley by Israel; if so, what is that position.
2. Will the Government be making (or has the Government made) representations to Israel regarding the proposed annexation; if so, can a summary of those representations be provided.
Mr Morrison MP – The Minister for Foreign Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable Member’s question is as follows:
• Refer to the Foreign Minister’s ‘Statement on the Middle East’ of 1 July 2020:
The Australian Government is a longstanding supporter of a two-state solution, in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders.
We urge all parties to refrain from actions that diminish the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution, including:
• acts of violence and terrorism including rocket attacks on civilians, and
• land appropriations, demolitions, and settlement activity.In this context, we are following with concern possible moves towards the unilateral annexation or change in status of territory on the West Bank.
The focus needs to be on a return to direct and genuine negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for a durable and resilient peace arrangement, as soon as possible.
Australia has raised our concerns with Israel in relation to indications of annexations, and I have done so directly with my Israeli counterpart.https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/marise-payne/media-release/statement-middle-east (1 July 2020).
• Refer to the response to question 1.