A key Coalition figure has said it is not “remarkable” for a Liberal MP to disagree with the “centre left” Biden administration which have called for a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict between Israel, Hamas-governed Gaza and Lebanon.
It reflected a shift in position following a tense sitting week in parliament, in which Opposition Leader Peter Dutton rejected Anthony Albanese’s bipartisan motion to commemorate the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks over clauses that called for a ceasefire as well as a two-state solution.
At the time Mr Dutton said it placed Australia “at odds” with Australia’s key allies, including the US.
Appearing on ABC on Sunday, Opposition home affairs spokesman Senator James Paterson said it was “unremarkable” the Coalition would have a different stance to the US.
“It wouldn’t be remarkable for an Australian politician to disagree with an American politician, particularly as the US administration under President Biden and Vice President Harris is a centre left administration,” he said.
“I am from a centre right political party. There will be times that we disagree and mature adults can be open and honest that, I think that is unremarkable.”
Similar to US President Joe Biden, Anthony Albanese has reiterated calls for a ceasefire, while supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.
Mr Paterson said that while the Coalition “want to see an end to this conflict” he does not believe a ceasefire is feasible until Hamas releases Israeli hostages and the terrorist group is “degraded so they no longer pose an ongoing threat to Israel”.
Mr Paterson also attacked the Prime Minister for not having the “courage of his own convictions” in disagreeing with the US’ position on the conflict, listing examples of when the two leaders have publicly issued disparate comments.
This included their stance on Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and support of Israel’s retaliation strikes in Lebanon following attacks from the terrorist group.
“When Hassan Nasrallah was killed a couple of weeks ago, President Biden welcomed that unambiguously. The Prime Minister has never done so,” he said.
“The United States is one of the most important suppliers of military equipment to Israel in this conflict. Our country under Albanese has put an effective ban on exports of military equipment to Israel and the Foreign Minister (Penny Wong) has been trumpeting that.
“When Israel entered into southern Lebanon to degrade Hezbollah a spokesperson for the State Department last week welcomed that. The Prime Minister’s never done so.”
Ms Wong has seized on Mr Paterson’s comments, and said the Liberals and Peter Dutton were “at odds with the international community.
“Now the Liberals finally realise they’re at odds with the international community including the United States, who are all pressing for peace – but he still can’t bring himself to do so,” she said.
“(Peter Dutton is) so focused on dividing Australians over this conflict that he doesn’t realise how isolated his position is.
“We know Mr Dutton is negative about everything but it’s pretty extreme to be negative about a ceasefire that saves civilian lives and prevents further disastrous escalation of conflict.”
The Prime Minister told Sky on Tuesday his position matched the US and the UK.
“We support Israel’s right to defend itself and how it defends itself matters,” he said, adding that his comments were the “same position” held by the US and the UK.
“They want a ceasefire that enables Israel to continue to exist with security. Now Israel is taking this action because there isn’t security there. And when people fire on Israel, Israel has a right to defend itself.”
Overnight, US President Joe Biden condemned the Israeli Defence Force for firing at United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, injuring four members since Thursday. The move was also condemned by Indonesia, Italy, France, Spain and Canada.
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