Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar have had a “sharp verbal clash” during a phone call, local media has reported, as the Israeli government continues its criticism of Australian foreign policy.
Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported that the call between Senator Wong and Mr Sa’ar was an attempt to find a way for the two countries to work together but it quickly turned.
Mr Sa’ar reportedly said: “Australia has chosen to distance itself from Israel in its most difficult year, when it has fought against its bitterest enemies.”
Israel’s top diplomat accused Australia of weakening its support for Israel in international forums, in a clear reference to Australia’s recent votes in the United Nations.
The report said he also raised the decision to block a former Israeli government minister from travelling to Australia, asking Senator Wong how she would react if Israel acted in such a way towards a former Australian politician.
He mentioned the Addas synagogue firebombing, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously argued cannot be separated from the Albanese government’s “anti-Israeli position”.
Gideon Sa’ar reportedly took issue with a speech Penny Wong gave last week. (Reuters: David W Cerny)
The right-wing newspaper, widely considered to be a mouthpiece for Mr Netanyahu, described Senator Wong as “belonging to the most anti-Israeli faction in her party”, in its report of the phone call.
It said Mr Sa’ar took issue with comments she made in a speech last week mentioning Israel, Russia and China as countries that should respect international law.
“Israel is a Western democratic state that upholds the rule of law, has an independent judiciary, and adheres to international law,” Mr Sa’ar reportedly said.
“In the past year, Israel has fought the radical axis led by Iran, which is supported by Russia and China.”
After that speech, Senator Wong explained her comments.
“The point I was making in this speech is that international law applies to all of us — it applies to Australia, it applies to all nations, and it’s very important for Australia to continue to advocate for the rules and norms that we are part of,” she told reporters last week.
The ABC has contacted the Israeli Foreign Ministry for further details.
Penny Wong plays down call
In response to the article in Israel Hayom, Senator Wong’s office downplayed the reported tension during the call.
“Minister Wong spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to reiterate Australia’s concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the need for humanitarian assistance and our repeated calls for the release of all hostages,” a spokesperson said.
“Minister Wong also noted that Australia’s position reflected that of many other countries.
“She conveyed Australia’s commitment to countering anti-Semitism and hate in all forms.
“It was a direct but respectful call where ministers explained their perspectives.”
Senator Wong is currently in Kyiv where she was asked about the call.
The foreign minister said she articulated Australia’s position on calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and the provision of aid into Gaza to her counterpart, but did not go into further detail.
The federal opposition has sought to use the strained ties between the Australian and Israeli governments in its domestic political attacks, accusing the prime minister of failing to support Israel strongly enough in the wake of the October 7 attacks by Hamas.
