A Research On Australia's Policy Towards Israel(1948-1967)

The historical link between Australia and Jews can be traced back to the First World War.At that time,Australian soldiers serving in Palestine set up a bridge between Australia and Yishuv.The Jews of Yishuv treated these soldiers as real saviors.They lived together and faced the war together.Australia's initial admiration for Zionism has gradually shifted to following Britain's suppression of Yishuv.From 1948 to 1967,Australia's policy was divided into three phases.The first phase,before and after the creation of Israel,was the period that Australian labor party government under the leadership of the Evatt surmounted every difficulty to actively play a role in the UN and contributed to the "Israeli-palestinian divide and conquer ",actively supported the establishment of Israel and helped Israel to join the UN.But on the issue of Jerusalem.differences and tensions between Australia and Israel were emerging.Australia emphasized that the Jerusalem must be fully internationalized,but Israel didn't support the international mechanism.The second phase,before and after the Second Middle East War,was the period that Australia's support of Israel was greatly depended on Israel's policy action consisted with the British policy about the Middle East.Australia was initially sympathetic to the new Jewish state.However,Australia's stance is starting to shift sharply in favor of Israel,when they learned that the Britain and Israel were "in the same boat".The third phase,before and after the Third Middle East War,was the period that Australia gave the full support of Israel and believed that Israel had the right to exist for political independence and national security.The Australian government's public support had contributed to the full support of the Jewish Community in Australia and the deepening of Israel's identity.According to the research,behind Australia keeping pro-Israeli attitude,there is the interaction of the National Interests,Allies Strategy.Domestic Jewish Force,Party Game,Value Judgment factors.Since 1967,Australia has continued to participate in the settlement of the Arab-Israeli issue.While maintaining a pro-Israel attitude,Australia has been more impartial in its stance on the Arab-Israeli issue.In the long run,Australian's own international image,geographical advantage and international network will make it play a greater role in the Middle East Peace Process.