Labor minister Jason Clare suggests Israel ‘not complying with international law’

A senior Government minister has suggested Israel is not complying with international law, as Labor stands accused by the Opposition of being divided on and abandoning the Jewish state.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has this week refused to join the United States in explicitly supporting strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon — despite insisting he is in lockstep with President Joe Biden.

He has instead said Israel “has a right to defend itself, and how it defends itself matters” and reiterated calls for a de-escalation and ceasefire.

On Thursday, Education Minister Jason Clare told ABC News that while every country had a right to defend itself, it “also needs to comply with international law”.

Asked if he believed Israel was complying with international law, Mr Clare responded: “The bombing of schools and hospitals, I think, are not complying with international law”.

Mr Clare, who represents the western Sydney electorate of Blaxland, which has a high proportion of Muslim Australians, said many of his constituents were experiencing the conflict in a really personal way.

“The people that we see, images of dying on our TV screens, are often their family or friends,” he said.

“They’re asking for a ceasefire and for the war to end, and I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”

He’s not the first Government minister to suggest Israel is flouting international law, or the rules of war, but it comes amid renewed pressure on Labor over its stance on the conflict.

The Coalition has attacked Labor for breaking ranks with the United States in its position on Israel, accusing the Government of hypocrisy in its dual messaging of Israel having a right to defend itself while also calling for a ceasefire.

Foreign affairs spokesperson Simon Birmingham has accused Labor of “capitulating” and flip-flopping on its position.

“Labor’s inability to sustain a firm position on Israel continues to put Australia at odds with our major ally and security partner in the United States,” Senator Birmingham said.

“The ceasefires we should all be supporting are where all hostages are released, while both Hamas and Hezbollah surrender their terrorist infrastructure, capability and leadership.”

Mr Albanese denied that his government was out of touch with the US on Wednesday.

“We have always supported the same position as the United States have put, (and they) have consistently said that there needs to be an agreement… and you need a de-escalation in order to have a diplomatic solution,” he said.

“We support Israel’s right to defend itself, and how it defends itself matters.”