Let me ask our erstwhile Prime Minister, and Foreign Secretary, some pertinent questions:

• Do you accept that Israel is overseeing an apartheid system in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem?
• If not, why not?
• Do you accept that such conduct constitutes a crime against humanity?
• If not, why not?
• Do you accept that for Australia to engage in trade with Israel or Israeli companies, or to suffer Australian corporations or citizens to do likewise renders Australia an accomplice in the crime against humanity?
• If not, why not?
• Do you accept that for Australia to recognise a Palestinian state would be consistent with a declared Australian position that Australia supports a two State solution, and also consistent with the recommendations of the ICJ?
• If not, why not?

Finally, Pearls & Irritations has agreed to make a commitment to publish any answers to those questions by the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary or either of them. We look forward to receiving and reading those answers.

Apartheid Israel