Australia Affirms Support for Lebanon’s Sovereignty
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has communicated to her Israeli counterpart that Australia supports Lebanon’s sovereignty and opposes any occupation of southern Lebanon by Israel. This statement follows recent revelations by the Netanyahu government concerning actions against the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah.
The announcement coincides with Israel’s vow to continue military strikes against Iran, casting doubt on prospects for de-escalation despite US President Donald Trump’s optimistic remarks about a potential deal to end the conflict.
Australia reported that Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared Israeli forces would "control the remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani"—a river that flows into the Mediterranean approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of Israel’s border.
Diplomatic Discussions Between Australia and Israel
Wong stated she spoke with Israel’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, on Tuesday night to reiterate Australia’s condemnation of Iran and express concern over the ongoing conflict at the Strait of Hormuz.
While Wong has condemned Iran’s actions, she was unequivocal in opposing any Israeli seizure of Lebanese territory.
"Australia is gravely concerned at the expansion of the conflict in Lebanon, the loss of life and displacement of more than one million civilians," she said on Wednesday.
"We discussed Hezbollah’s continued strikes on Israel and agreed they must disarm in line with previous agreements.
Australia supports Lebanon’s sovereignty – so we do not want to see occupation of southern Lebanon by Israel."
Wong also advised Australians in Lebanon to depart promptly if it is safe to do so.
"Australians in Lebanon to leave now, if safe to do so – please do not wait until it’s too late."
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade estimates that 15,000 Australians reside in Lebanon. Since the outbreak of the war, more than 8,000 Australians and permanent residents have returned from the Middle East region.
Israeli Perspective on the Conflict
In a social media post, Gideon Sa’ar emphasized to Wong the extensive missile, rocket, and drone attacks launched against Israel from Lebanon.
"Israel is acting to defend its communities and citizens," Sa’ar said.
"I described the reality of life these days in our northern [Israeli] communities, to which residents returned after over a year in which they didn’t live in their homes.
Unfortunately, the Lebanese government is not taking practical steps against Hezbollah, neither to stop the attacks on Israeli civilians, nor in other contexts."
Humanitarian Aid and Regional Tensions
Over the weekend, Australia announced an additional $5 million in aid to support civilians in Lebanon, focusing particularly on women and children affected by the conflict.
It is understood that Wong and Sa’ar also discussed other issues likely to exacerbate ongoing tensions between Australia and Israel.
Among these were remarks made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has expressed controversial views and supported proposals for a "new border" with Lebanon along the Litani River.
Australia’s mission to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah remains closed more than seven months after Israel ordered its closure in retaliation for unspecified actions.
Australia understands that the Albanese government continues to press Israel for the mission’s reopening.
Escalating Tensions Over Occupied Territories
Wong and Sa’ar also discussed escalating tensions related to Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In February, Israel overturned a ban on the sale of land in the West Bank to non-Arabs and transferred authority over building licenses from the Palestinian-run municipality to the Israeli civil administration.
Following these measures, Katz and Smotrich declared:
"We will continue to kill the idea of a Palestinian state."
