By Jeremy Salt
Benjamin Netanyahu is a major war criminal. Australians don’t need the International Criminal Court to tell them he is a criminal.
Opportunism, hypocrisy, manipulation, and deceit come quickly to mind when delving into the behavior of politicians. Two Australian former prime ministers, Julie Gillard and Scott Morrison, have thrust themselves into the headlines over the genocide in Gaza.
Gillard and Morrison, along with other former Prime Ministers, issued a ‘even-handed’ statement calling on Israel to avoid civilian casualties but failed to call for a ceasefire, ultimately endorsing more killing. This statement, drafted by a senior figure in the Zionist lobby, exemplifies Australia’s deference to Zionism.
Morrison, as prime minister, demonstrated unwavering support for Israel by moving the Australian embassy to West Jerusalem. His silence and failure to speak out against Israel’s war crimes in Gaza highlight his complicity. Gillard, despite her global advocacy for women and children, has also remained silent on Israel’s atrocities.
As Netanyahu faces indictments for war crimes, Australians standing with the Palestinians show moral strength, while those providing cover for Israel will be remembered for their cowardice and complicity.
– Jeremy Salt taught at the University of Melbourne, specializing in the modern history of the Middle East. He contributed this article to The Palestine Chronicle.