Canberra to abstain on UN resolutions relating to Israeli settlement in occupied territories in stance that goes against long-held national position

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

The foreign minister, Julie Bishop, has described the Australian government’s shift in favour of Israel on two key UN resolutions, including softening its stance on settlement expansion in the occupied territories, as part of a move towards a more “balanced” approach to the Middle East.

Australia now abstains on whether the Palestinian territories should be subject to the Geneva convention and on defining Israeli annexation of land in the occupied territories as in breach of international law. Under both previous prime ministers Australia had upheld the general assembly resolutions.

“This shift reflected the government’s concern that Middle East resolutions should be balanced,” the foreign minister said through a spokeswoman. “The government will not support resolutions which are one-sided and which prejudge the outcome of final-status negotiations between the two sides.”

Australia is now one of only eight nations to abstain on the resolution relating to Israeli settlement in the occupied territories and one of five to abstain on the Geneva convention resolution.

The stance has been criticised by the shadow foreign affairs minister, Tanya Plibersek, who said Australia’s position had shifted without debate or consultation.

“We voted yes to a proposition that has suggested that the unlimited building of settlements in land that is considered Palestinian land is not helping with the peace process,” Plibersek told the ABC on Sunday.

“If the Australian government have a different position now, I think it would be very important for them to explain to Australians why that position's changed.”

The foreign minister added that Australia still “strongly supports” a “lasting two-state solution” between Israel and the occupied territories.

“Australia stands ready to assist in any way it can to support the efforts of Israel and the Palestinians to achieve lasting peace including supporting Palestinian development as an important contribution to the Middle East peace process,” the spokeswoman said.