Australian MP: Netanyahu's statements are not surprising because he is not a partner for peace

Australian Labor Party MP Maria Vamvakinou, co-chair of the Friends of Palestine parliamentary group, said that no one should be surprised by Netanyahu’s position because he made similar statements in the past.

“Someone like Benjamin Netanyahu is not a partner for peace, and has not been for some time,” Vamvakinou told the Australian newspaper The Guardian.

She added: "I categorically reject his statements, and everyone who claims to support peace between Israelis and Palestinians must recognize the Palestinian state."

She indicated support for the Labor Party's program to recognize the Palestinian state, calling for accelerating it and moving forward towards recognizing the state of Palestine.