Australia News Live Updates: Netanyahu Criticism, Albanese & Wong Respond, Papua New Guinea Developments
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August 11, 2025 – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have publicly condemned remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state. The australian government’s strong rebuke follows Netanyahu’s assertion that a fully sovereign Palestine will not be established under his leadership, a statement delivered amidst ongoing international efforts to broker a lasting peace agreement in the region.
The Prime Minister, speaking from Canberra, described Netanyahu’s comments as “unhelpful” and reiterated Australia’s long-held position supporting a two-state solution as the most viable path to peace. Foreign Minister Wong echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preserving the possibility of a future Palestinian state based on internationally recognized borders.
key Developments:
- Netanyahu’s statement: Netanyahu stated on August 10th, 2025, that Israel would maintain security control west of the Jordan River, effectively ruling out a fully sovereign Palestinian state. This position has drawn widespread international criticism.
- Australian Response: Both Prime Minister Albanese and Foreign Minister Wong have voiced strong disagreement with Netanyahu’s stance, reaffirming australia’s commitment to a two-state solution.
- Papua New Guinea Visit: Defense Minister Richard Marles is currently in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, strengthening defense ties and discussing regional security cooperation. He met with PNG Defence Minister Win Bakri Daki on August 11th to finalize details of a new security agreement.
- Meteor Sighting in Victoria: Reports of a bright meteor streaking across the night sky over Victoria have flooded social media. Astronomers at the Melbourne Planetarium confirmed the sighting, attributing it to a fragment of the Perseid meteor shower.
Background: Australia’s Position on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Australia has consistently supported a two-state solution, recognizing the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. This policy, maintained across successive governments, aims for a secure Israel alongside a viable and independent Palestinian state. Australia provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians through organizations like UNRWA and actively participates in international efforts to facilitate peace negotiations.In recent years, australia has also increased its focus on promoting economic development in the Palestinian territories.
Papua New Guinea Security Agreement
The deepening security relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea is a response to growing regional instability and concerns about transnational crime. The new agreement,spearheaded by Defence Minister Marles,will involve increased Australian training and support for the PNG defence Force,as well as joint patrols and intelligence sharing. This initiative builds upon existing cooperation in areas such as border security and maritime surveillance. The agreement is valued at approximately $200 million AUD over five years.
Meteor Shower Activity
The Perseid meteor shower, visible annually from mid-July to late August, is one of the most reliable and spectacular meteor showers. The shower occurs as Earth passes through debris left behind by the comet swift-Tuttle. Peak activity is expected on the night of August 12th, with observers possibly able to see up to 100 meteors per hour under dark skies.The Melbourne Planetarium is hosting public viewing events throughout the week.
This live blog will be updated throughout the day with the latest news and developments.
