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Washington: If and when Anthony Albanese meets Donald Trump in New York – and it may be no more than a brief “pull aside” amid a whirlwind of events – it will be in the context of Australia joining an international push to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations.
This adds a layer of difficulty. The US is against this move. The two men will meet just as Australia is doing something Trump fundamentally opposes.
President Donald Trump pats British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the back during their joint news conference at Chequers.Credit: AP
In overlooked remarks this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed the countries deciding to recognise Palestine – which includes Australia, France, Canada and potentially the United Kingdom – for the latest push by hard-right Israeli politicians to annex the West Bank.
On a visit to Israel and Qatar, Rubio was asked by reporters what he thought of the Israeli ministers who were campaigning for complete or partial annexation, and whether they were jeopardising the Abraham Accords.
“I think much of that is a reaction to several nations around the world deciding to unilaterally declare a Palestinian state,” Rubio responded, without specifically naming any country.
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“We warned them that we thought that was counterproductive. We actually think it’s undermined negotiations because it emboldened Hamas, and we think it undermines future prospects of peace in the region.
“We thought it was unwise to do that, and I think you’re seeing [the annexation talk] as a counter-reaction. It’s what we thought would happen. We warned them that this kind of action would happen among some in Israeli government if they did what they did.”
In an interview with Fox News, Rubio repeated those points, and stressed that the recognition of Palestine by European nations, Canada “and other countries” was purely symbolic.
When Trump met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer this week, the two men discussed the situation in the Middle East, including their difference of opinion on recognising Palestine. “I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score,” Trump said at one point. “One of our few disagreements, actually.”
But, under pressure from an American journalist on the issue, Starmer delivered one of the best moments of a fairly dry joint news conference. Asked if recognising Palestine rewarded Hamas, the British PM was emphatic.
“Let me be really clear about Hamas,” he said. “They’re a terrorist organisation who can have no part in any future governance in Palestine.”
It prompted Trump to lean over, pat Starmer twice on the back and say: “That’s good.”
Starmer went on: “What happened on October 7th was the worst attack since the Holocaust. We have extended family in Israel. I understand first-hand the psychological impact that that had across Israel. So I know exactly where I stand in relation to Hamas.”
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He pointed out Hamas did not want a ceasefire, peace or a two-state solution. Trump subtly nodded along.
There was nothing remarkable about what Starmer had to say. But he was clear and direct, and spoke with conviction, and the president obviously admired that.
Indeed, when Trump speaks alongside other leaders or officials, he’ll sometimes mutter “well said”, or words to that effect, when they have concluded. He is impressed by strong but not complicated language, delivered with certitude. While he obviously enjoys and even demands flattery, it would be wrong to say he rewards servility.
If Albanese can channel the best of Starmer, he will be all the better for it – no matter what differences he may have with Trump.
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