It is unacceptable that Australia should host the head of state for a country which the International Court of Justice has found is committing the crime of apartheid, and which the United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory found was committing genocide.
In January, the Government hastily legislated to stamp down on hate speech in Australia, and here we are in February inviting someone to Australia who has made public statements which have been cited as evidence of genocidal intent.
Moreover this visit is divisive and in no way conducive to social cohesion. Indeed, it is clearly inflaming the situation. It is highly inappropriate to have invited President Isaac Herzog, inappropriate to provide him with a visa and inappropriate to host him at Parliament house. It shows disrespect for international law.