Australia’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood has drawn sharp criticism from Washington, with the US ambassador to Israel calling it a “point of stress” between the two allies. Yet the development coincides with confirmation Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will finally meet face-to-face with President Donald Trump in Washington on October 20.
Speaking to the ABC, US ambassador Mike Huckabee said the Albanese government had made “a very serious mistake” in joining countries such as Canada and the UK in recognising Palestine.
“It’s a point of stress … it’s a point of strong disagreement, not mild,” he said. “We feel like the government of Australia has made a very serious mistake.”
Mr Huckabee warned that recognition would not bring peace closer in Gaza but instead lead to “more turmoil”, citing Israel’s threats to annex Palestinian territory.
Despite the strong words, he emphasised the alliance would endure.
“There are a lot more things we do agree on than we disagree on. I’m sure that the US and Australia … will continue to work together,” he said.
President Trump also used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to denounce recognition of a Palestinian state, calling it “a reward for these horrible atrocities” committed by Hamas in 2023.
Mr Albanese, who listened to Trump’s speech in New York, was measured in his response.
“It was a great privilege to be at the United Nations this morning to hear President Trump and other leaders … put forward their perspectives,” he told reporters.
The prime minister had earlier been left off Trump’s official UN schedule, but secured an invitation to the White House next month. The meeting is seen as critical for Australia, which is seeking assurances on its $368 billion AUKUS nuclear submarine deal and relief from new US tariffs on imports.
At the UN, Albanese likened the plight of the Palestinians to that of the Jewish people before the creation of Israel remarks that underscored his government’s shift on Middle East policy. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has promised to reverse recognition if the Coalition is returned to office, a stance Mr Huckabee welcomed as evidence that “not everyone in Australia agreed with the government.”
Former foreign minister Bob Carr, however, praised Labor’s decision, saying recognition signalled “equal humanity” for Palestinians.
“The message is, to Israel, stop the genocide … and stop the settlement expansion on the West Bank,” he said.
Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon joined other world leaders at the US president’s welcome reception in New York, where he and Trump exchanged greetings. About 145 leaders lined up with their partners for official photographs with the president and First Lady Melania Trump.
Australia’s ambassador to Washington, Kevin Rudd, said the government was “delighted” at confirmation of the October 20 talks, noting they had been months in the making after a planned June meeting was cancelled due to escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
With tensions over Palestine policy rising and strategic stakes high, the Albanese–Trump meeting is now set to be a crucial moment in the alliance, balancing disagreements over the Middle East with the enduring weight of AUKUS and the broader partnership.
