Israel criticises Labor draft Palestine policy ahead of conference

The Israeli embassy in Canberra has publicly criticised the Labor party’s draft policy platform, saying it risks placing responsibility for the Gaza conflict on Israel while giving insufficient attention to the role of Hamas. In a four-page statement, the embassy challenged proposed positions on Palestine, Hamas and settler violence that will be debated at this week’s national conference.

Foreign intervention in a party’s internal process is unusual and has highlighted tensions between Labor and the Israeli government. The platform is reviewed at each triennial conference; the 2026 draft differs substantially from the 2023 document, reflecting shifts after Hamas’ 7 October attack and Israel’s war in Gaza.

The 2023 text had three lines on Israel and Palestine tied to recognition of a Palestinian state, a policy the government adopted last August, while the 2026 draft includes motions opposing annexation and calling for an end to settler violence and the occupation.

Australia, Canberra

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