Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s upcoming visit to Australia has continued to inflame tensions within the Labor Party, as protest and advocacy groups have urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to rescind his invitation to Herzog.
Peak Muslim bodies and Palestinian advocacy groups wrote to Albanese calling on him to revoke the invitation, arguing the visit could undermine Australia’s international legal obligations and further inflame domestic tensions.
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Australian Muslim Advocacy Network and Muslim Votes Matters said yesterday they had sent a letter to Anthony Albanese which highlighted Herzog’s statements asserting collective responsibility for the civilian population of Gaza.
During question time yesterday afternoon, Labor MP Ed Husic said he was “very uncomfortable” with the visit.
“I find it hard to reconcile the images I’ve seen of him signing bombs that were then dropped on Palestinian homes,” he told Parliament.
Albanese has maintained that Herzog’s visit is welcomed by the government. He is set to touch down in Australia on Sunday.
