Published: 28 February 2017
Last updated: 4 March 2024
Netanyahu himself has since displayed ambivalence about the Bar Ilan speech and he avoided expressing support for a two-state solution when he met the UK prime mister Theresa May earlier this year and at his recent meeting with president Trump.
Sceptics will now also be able to point to the Joint Statement issued during his visit to Australia, in which Australia expresses support for a two-state solution but Israel tellingly does not. During that visit, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten expressed opposition to settlement activity that threatens a two state solution. It would be interesting to know whether PM Turnbull or any Australian Jewish communal leader questioned or challenged PM Netanyahu privately in any way about his professed commitment to a two-state solution and what they say about his refusal to support it in the Joint Statement. If friends of Israel who say they support a two-state solution do not speak up for it at times like this, what does their support mean?
See Joint Statement on 23 February 2017 by PM Turnbull and Israeli PM Netanyahu
And see:
Editorial: Netanyahu visit – an opportunity for friends to speak truthfully and clearly February 20, 2017
EXCLUSIVE: If Bibi must visit then let’s ask him the tough questions February 11, 2017
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