For years the Labor government has insisted Palestinian statehood could only come “at the end” of a peace process with Israel. This week, Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong announced an abrupt change: the time to recognise the state of Palestine is, apparently, now. 

Readers’ editor Crystal Andrews and politics editor Bernard Keane discuss what caused the Labor government to shift its position on Palestine. Will Australia ever go beyond symbolic gestures to impose meaningful penalties on Israel? Sanctions aren’t completely off the table — but there’s a reason we won’t lead the way.

Read more:

• Australia sends F-35 jet parts to Israel. Is it legal under international law?
• NSW Labor MP says he was ‘gagged’ and faced ‘bullying’ after trying to criticise Minns on Gaza
• Could Australia joining the chorus on Palestine tip the balance?
• The challenge of halting an ally-turned-monster looms larger still for Albanese and Wong
• Cash, Joyce, Hastie and co keep pushing Ley’s Coalition (far) right into the margins

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