Australia’s Strongest Defenders of Israel: The Top 5 Pro-Israel Prime Ministers

With the current left-wing Albanese Labor Government as a major exception, Australia has been one of Israel’s most steadfast allies over many years. This is a stance partly due to a series of prime ministers who have defended the Jewish state’s right to security, sovereignty and self-defense. Here’s my ranking of the five best Australian prime ministers when it comes to unqualified support of Israel during their tenure.

1. John Howard (1996–2007)

The most pro-Israel prime minister in Australian history is, arguably, John Howard. His government went to bat for Israel internationally, standing against one-sided resolutions in the UN and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, especially during the 2006 Lebanon War. Howard also bolstered intelligence-sharing agreements and encouraged closer trade ties with the Jewish State. Following the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7th 2023, Howard joined former prime ministers in condemning the barbaric terror organisation and reiterating his firm support for Israel.

2. Tony Abbott (2013–2015)

There was no backpedalling for Tony Abbott, who was a fearless champion of Israel. He strongly condemned the anti-Israel bias at the UN, denounced terrorism from groups such as Hamas, and insisted that Israel was the Middle East’s only real democracy. Abbott vocally condemned Palestinian leadership for inciting violence and severing ties with extremist-linked organizations. His government also strengthened security cooperation with Israel, given a mutual interest in fighting radical Islamic terrorism. Abbott continues to be a major asset to the Australian Jewish Community and remains vocal in his support for Israel.

3. Scott Morrison (2018–2022)

Scott Morrison maintained the legacy of the strong pro-Israel policy under other conservative Prime Ministers such as Howard and Abbott. In 2018, Morrison recognized West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, aligning Australia with the United States under President Donald Trump. Morrison also reduced aid to Palestinian organizations connected to terrorism and countered anti-Semitic rhetoric within international forums. He maintains strong ties with Trump and continues to be a vehement defender of Israel’s security, publicly denouncing Iranian aggression and Hamas terrorist methods.

4. Malcolm Turnbull (2015–2018)

Internationally, Malcolm Turnbull has been vocally pro-Israel, especially in economic and technological projects. Turnbull maintained Australia’s strong ties to Israel and dismissed calls for the one-sided recognition of a Palestinian state whilst in power. Turnbull knitted closer business and innovation links between the two economies and the former PM has reiterated Australia’s zero-tolerance approach to anti-Israel bias in international diplomacy despite alarming changes made by the current government.

5. Malcolm Fraser (1975–1983)

Malcolm Fraser’s foreign policy was more balanced but he also had a strong pro-Israel orientation. His administration supported Israel’s right to exist within secure and recognized borders and pushed back against efforts to delegitimize the Jewish state at international forums. Fraser also maintained close ties between Australia and Israel at a time of rising international pressure from pro-Palestinian groups.

In conclusion, between anti-Semitism, deeper diplomatic relations and defending Israel’s right to defend itself, these conservative prime ministers were firm supporters of Israel. Their leadership also gave Australia a government which upheld our longstanding position as a close and dependable ally of Israel in the face of rising hostility from radical Islamist organizations, terror groups and left leaning political movements. It has been extremely disappointing to see how far the other way that the current government has taken Australia when it comes to relations with Israel.