Wong defends Israel president's Australia visit amid community backlash
Theguardian reports that foreign minister Penny Wong urged critics of Israel president Isaac Herzog’s visit to consider the context, saying Jewish leaders had urged the government to issue an invitation. Herzog’s trip to Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney next week has prompted a growing backlash.
Critics include Chris Sidoti, who has called on the government to withdraw the invitation because of a genocide case at the international court of justice and the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territories. NSW Labor MPs plan to join a protest and former cabinet minister Ed Husic said he did not believe the visit should go ahead.
Wong told ABC radio she really does understand the depth of feeling about the visit and said it was appropriate for Israel’s head of state to meet Australian Jews after the 14 December shooting.
Australia, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney