By Gregory Lyakhov, JNS
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seems to be prioritizing political gain over a decades-old alliance.
Australia has, for decades, stood as a firm ally of Israel, bound by shared democratic values, economic cooperation and a commitment to global security. Yet, today, that bond seems to be breaking.
Since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took office in 2022, Australia has distanced itself from Israel, reversing key policies, adopting a more critical tone and hesitating in its response to terrorism. What has caused this dramatic shift, and what does it mean for Australia’s future?
Australia’s support for Israel dates back to the country’s inception. It was the first country to vote in favor of the 1947 U.N. Partition Plan that led to the creation of the State of Israel and formally recognized the state in 1949. Over the years, Australia’s bipartisan commitment to Israel has been unwavering, with administrations prioritizing diplomatic, economic and security ties.
Former prime ministers John Howard and Tony Abbott were especially vocal in their support. Howard called Israel “a beacon of democracy in the Middle East,” while Abbott actively pushed back against anti-Israel bias at the United Nations.
Under their leadership in the late part of the 20th and early 21st centuries, trade between the two nations flourished, reaching $1.3 billion annually by 2019. Israeli technology in cybersecurity, agriculture and defense significantly benefited Australia’s own industries, making the partnership as practical as it was principled.
Beyond politics, Australia’s Jewish community, which currently numbers more than 115,000 people, has played a key role in deepening ties, fostering cultural and business connections and advocating for Israel’s continued support.
Unlike his predecessors, Albanese’s administration has positioned Australia closer to what some consider a more pro-Palestinian approach.
For instance, in October 2022, his government abruptly reversed Australia’s recognition of “West Jerusalem” as Israel’s capital, a decision made by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2018. The move shocked Israel and was widely seen as a symbolic gesture to all critics of the Jewish state.
After the terrorist attacks in southern Jewish communities in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, while key Western allies like the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany immediately affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, Australia’s response was lukewarm at best. Albanese condemned the attack but quickly pivoted to calls for “proportionality” in Israel’s response.
Australia further distanced itself in February 2024 when it abstained from a U.N. vote condemning Israel for its response to the Oct. 7 attacks rather than voting “no” on the measure. This decision drew sharp criticism from Israel’s supporters.
What has been driving this change? Much of it can be traced to domestic political pressure. Australia’s progressive groups, particularly the Australian Greens, have pushed for an increasingly critical stance on Israel. The Greens have called for an arms embargo and sanctions, and have even labeled Israel’s actions as “apartheid.”
Meanwhile, anti-Israel demonstrations have become increasingly aggressive. In November 2023, protesters attempted to storm the Sydney Opera House, chanting antisemitic slogans and calling for an intifada. There have also been several attacks on the Jewish community in Australia, and many Jews there feel abandoned by the government.
Australia’s shift mirrors similar patterns in Canada and France, where left-leaning governments have taken a more critical approach to Israel in recent years.
In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has faced backlash from Jewish groups for his lukewarm support for Israel and his willingness to endorse Palestinian-backed resolutions at the United Nations. Canada also reduced arms sales to Israel in 2023.
French President Emmanuel Macron, too, has been critical of the Jewish state and banned Israeli defense companies from participating in a military-arms show.
Australia now seems to be following the pattern, prioritizing political gain over a decades-old alliance.
For Israel, Australia’s changing stance is a stark reminder that even longtime allies can shift under political pressure. This only reinforces Israel’s need to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties beyond traditional Western allies.
For Australia, a key question remains: Does this shift truly serve its national interests?
By distancing itself from a key partner in defense, intelligence and technology, Australia risks weakening its strategic position. In an era of increasing global instability, turning away from a steadfast ally could prove to be a serious miscalculation. Only time will tell whether this recalibrated approach is a necessary evolution—or a costly mistake.
