Marles rejects Netanyahu’s criticism of Australian government’s UN vote on Palestine

Anthony Albanese notes 157 countries voted in favour of a Palestinian state, and that former Howard government held a similar position

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Australia's defence minister, Richard Marles, has rejected Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claims that Australia supporting a United Nations motion in favour of a Palestinian state would lead to more terrorism or antisemitism, saying the government remained a close friend of Israel.

The Coalition opposition has again accused Labor of changing its foreign policy, calling it an effort to chase votes in western Sydney. Former Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison called Labor's decision shameful" and accused the government of having betrayed freedom".

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