The Take Why countries back Palestinian statehood but arm Israel
4 snips
Aug 14, 2025 Antony Loewenstein, an independent journalist and author of The Palestine Laboratory, discusses the recent recognition of Palestine as a state by Australia amid ongoing military support for Israel. He delves into the complexities of international recognition and the geopolitical implications, highlighting the frustration among citizens over the contradictions in Western policies. The conversation also touches on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the challenges facing Palestinian leadership, and the hypocrisy surrounding arms trades by nations publicly supporting Palestinian sovereignty.
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Recognition As Political Pressure Valve
- Australia’s recognition of Palestine feels symbolic and timed to public pressure rather than changing policy.
- Antony Loewenstein argues it aims to appease domestic outrage while leaving substantive support unchanged.
Massive Sydney Protest
- Antony Loewenstein attended a mass Sydney protest with about 300,000 people calling for action on Gaza.
- He describes it as one of the largest protests in Australia since Vietnam or the Iraq War.
Australia's Material Role
- Australia is materially linked to Israel through intelligence sharing and the F-35 supply chain.
- Loewenstein highlights Pine Gap and Australian-made F-35 parts used in operations over Gaza.
