Israeli ambassador seeks reset with Australia after three years of tension
Israel's ambassador Hillel Newman says ties with Australia can return to 'traditional friendship'. This is despite strained relations since 2023.
Israel's ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, says both nations can rebuild their relationship. Newman made these comments on the eve of October 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack.
Newman acknowledged tensions have grown since 2023 but said he had goodwill for a reset. Australia and Israel have disagreed over settler violence in the West Bank.
They have also clashed over an Israeli death penalty law. They clashed over the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in a 2024 Israeli drone strike.
Israel's government has publicly criticised Foreign Minister Penny Wong. They called her UN comments about the West Bank a 'blatant lie'.
Australia has joined the UK, Canada and New Zealand to sanction Israeli politicians. But Australia did not ban goods from occupied settlements as those countries did.
Newman said both nations could have different views and still keep strong ties.
Why it mattersAustralia-Israel relations have hit their lowest point in decades. A diplomatic reset could ease tensions that have spilled into Australian domestic politics and diaspora communities.
AustraliaImproved relations may ease divisions in Australian political circles and affect Australia's stance on Middle East policy, settlement bans, and the Frankcom family's push for justice.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 h ago
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