The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) has condemned the Israeli Embassy’s extraordinary intervention in the Australian Labor Party’s National Conference, describing it as an unacceptable attempt by a foreign government to influence Australia’s domestic political processes.
As Labor delegates prepare to debate the Party’s National Platform, APAN said Australia’s policies must be determined by Australians, not by pressure from foreign governments seeking to shield themselves from accountability for the genocide they are perpetuating.
The Embassy’s public intervention goes well beyond normal diplomatic engagement. Attempting to influence the internal policy deliberations of an Australian political party crosses a line and raises serious concerns about foreign interference in Australia’s democratic processes.
APAN President Nasser Mashni said:
“Australians decide Australian policy. Not the Israeli regime which is currently committing genocide in Palestine.”
“Despite Israeli regime spin, as it stands, Labor’s policy platform falls far short of taking appropriate action to recognise the Palestinian genocide and cut off the export of weapons and diplomatic impunity that is fuelling the daily horrors being suffered by the Palestinians.”
“There is an important distinction between diplomatic engagement with the Australian Government and a foreign state publicly attempting to influence the internal policy-making processes of an Australian political party. That is an extraordinary step, and one that should concern every Australian regardless of their politics.”
“If the Israeli regime believes Labor’s Platform is too critical while Gaza is being destroyed, perhaps it should reflect on its own conduct rather than attempting to pressure an Australian political party.”
“Labor must not allow itself to be intimidated. If anything, this intervention demonstrates why it is essential that Australia’s foreign policy is grounded in international law.”
“The current Platform has improved from earlier drafts, but it still falls short. It must acknowledge the reality of the genocide taking place in Gaza, end Australia’s complicity and make a clear commitment that Australia will abide by the International Court of Justice rulings including arresting indicted war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu.”
“While foreign governments lobby to soften Australia’s response, Palestinian families are being bombed, starved and driven from their homes. The genocide does not pause for Labor’s National Conference, and neither should Labor’s conscience.”
“The question before Labor delegates is simple: will Australia stand with international law and human rights, or will it allow political pressure to dictate its response to genocide?”
APAN and human rights organisations are urging Labor delegates to strengthen the National Platform by:
- Recognising that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza;
- Ending Australian defence exports and military cooperation that risk contributing to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide;
- Ensuring full transparency and accountability across Australia’s defence trade;
- Taking concrete action against Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise, including ending Australian trade and investment that sustains it;
- Divesting Australia’s Future Fund investments linked to Israel’s occupation, illegal settlements, companies including Palantir & Elbit systems; and
- Strengthening Australia’s commitment to accountability under international law for war crimes and other serious violations.
- Confirming Australia will abide by all ICJ and ICC rulings
ENDS