Australian Foreign Minister to Visit Israel and Palestinian Territories

Foreign Minister Penny Wong is travelling to Israel, Jordan, Occupied Palestinian Territories, and the United Arab Emirates this week. However, the trip has drawn some criticism from the federal opposition after it was revealed Ms. Wong will reportedly not be visiting the Oct. 7 massacre sites. Instead, the foreign minister said she would be supporting “international diplomatic efforts” for durable peace in the Middle East. In Israel, the foreign minister plans to meet with officials and families of hostages. While Ms. Wong supports the right of Israel to defend itself, but said its methods were important. “In my engagement with officials in Israel, I will convey Australia’s support for Israel’s security and its right to defend itself in the face of terrorism, while stressing that the way it does so matters,” Ms. Wong said....