Israel criticises Labor's draft Palestine policy

The embassy stated that several elements of the draft platform risk placing responsibility for the conflict on one party while giving insufficient attention to the decisions and conduct of the Palestinian leadership and organisations like Hamas. It described settler violence as a "reprehensible but marginal phenomenon" that was given "disproportionate attention" in the draft, suggesting focus should instead be on terrorism experienced by Israelis at the hands of groups such as Hamas.

The draft platform for 2026 differs significantly from the 2023 iteration, reflecting shifts in policy following the October 7th Hamas attack and the subsequent war in Gaza. While the 2023 document focused on recognition of a Palestinian state, the new draft includes motions opposing the annexation of Palestinian territory and calling for an end to settler violence and the occupation.

Notably, a line from an earlier draft stating "Hamas must disarm and can have no role in the State of Palestine" was dropped from the final version to be debated, though the final draft does single out Hamas as a perpetrator of terrorism. The embassy argued that political parties should frame policies around conditions essential for lasting peace rather than assigning blame. Minister for multicultural affairs Anne Aly, however, appeared unfazed by the intervention, stating the embassy would "do what they feel is right."