Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, has said that Canberra’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state will do nothing to end the war in Gaza. Speaking on ABC’s 7.30, Mr Maimon also rejected claims that Israel is pursuing a policy of starvation in Gaza. His comments came in response to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who said part of the government’s motivation for recognition was spurred by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to extend his country’s offensive in Gaza. Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia would join other nations at

Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, has said that Canberra’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state will do nothing to end the war in Gaza. Speaking on

ABC’s 7.30,

Mr Maimon also rejected claims that Israel is pursuing a policy of starvation in Gaza. His comments came in response to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who said part of the government’s motivation for recognition was spurred by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to extend his country’s offensive in Gaza. Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia would join other nations at the United Nations General Assembly in September in recognising Palestinian statehood. However, Mr Maimon insisted the move would have no practical impact. He told

7.30:

"I would like to say a few words about the recognition of Australia. First of all, it's important to emphasise we reject the recognition, unilateral recognition."

"It will not change anything on the ground, it will not bring a ceasefire, it will not bring the two parties closer.

"The only solution, the only way out is if the two parties will sit down and will negotiate directly and bilaterally.

"This is something that needs to be understood."

The ambassador’s remarks were reinforced by a statement from the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who criticised Australia’s announcement as effectively rewarding Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Knesset Museum in Jerusalem, [located on the site of Israel’s parliament from 1950 to 1966] Mr Herzog warned against the decision. "Recognising a Palestinian state now is a grave mistake," Mr Herzog said. "I wonder what the Knesset members in those days for example, would have said about the Australian prime minister's intention to recognise a Palestinian state. "I have no doubt what Ben-Gurion and Begin, who were on opposite sides of the aisle, would have said together, and I too say here emphatically to the whole world: Israel has always strived, and will always strive, for peace with our neighbours including the Palestinians.

"These declarations, by Australia and other countries, are a reward for terror, a prize for the enemies of freedom, liberty, and democracy.

"This is a grave and dangerous mistake, which will not help a single Palestinian and sadly will not bring back a single hostage."

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