Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I think the only matter that is properly within my portfolio is the engagement I've had with the ambassador and/or DFAT has had with the Israeli embassy. I will obtain those details. I can confirm there has been engagement with the ambassador, and that's because we do remain a committed friend of Israel—we do, and we recognise Israel's right to defend itself. We recognise the uniquely challenging security environment, and we continue to call out—this is not a partisan issue. Australia does continue to call out unfair and disproportionate targeting of Israel in international forums. We have opposed the referral of the conflict to the ICJ because we do not believe that will bring parties closer to negotiations. We do continue to fight anti-Semitism. It is a friendship that has been and should remain based on a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and that is the approach we are taking.

I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.