Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

International Relations: Australia and Israel

Senate · Tuesday 3 February 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator Mehreen Faruqi moved a take note debate to criticise the government's handling of the visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. She argued that the government was prioritising political unity over international law and human rights by welcoming a leader she described as complicit in war crimes. The senator contended that the government's actions contradicted its stated goals of combating racism and maintaining social cohesion. The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

Outcome

The question was agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens

Faruqi argued that the government had abandoned its commitment to international law and aid by facilitating the visit of Isaac Herzog. Faruqi claimed that welcoming Herzog, whom she cited as having incited genocide according to a UN commission, undermined efforts to combat racism and protect civil rights. Faruqi stated that the government was hypocritical for promoting unity while engaging with a leader associated with war crimes. Faruqi suggested that the government should have condemned Israel's actions, including the demolition of UNRWA headquarters, and called for Herzog to be arrested upon arrival.