Tue Sep 24 03:27:09 UTC 2024: ## Seymour Left Out of UN Vote on Israel, Sparks Tensions Between Coalition Partners

**Wellington, New Zealand** – Act leader David Seymour has expressed his dissatisfaction at being excluded from consultations on a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Palestine within a year. The resolution, which New Zealand supported, has caused friction between coalition partners.

Seymour, while acknowledging his support for government decisions, stated that he was not consulted prior to the vote. He described the decision as “controversial” and highlighted the need for future discussions on such matters.

In response, a spokesman for Foreign Minister Winston Peters defended the government’s position, stating that the vote was “entirely consistent” with New Zealand’s long-standing stance on international law and the two-state solution. He emphasized that the Minister does not consult with coalition partners on the vast majority of UN resolutions but reserves consultation for significant changes to foreign policy settings.

Meanwhile, the Middle East conflict remains a major focus for New Zealand politicians. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed concerns about the recent Israeli air strikes in Lebanon, while emphasizing the importance of international law and the need for a ceasefire. He also revealed discussions with the Qatari Prime Minister on the ongoing conflict, highlighting Qatar’s role in mediation efforts.

Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesman, David Parker, expressed support for the government’s vote but advocated for further action, including the recognition of Palestinian statehood and joining the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel. He also criticized the government’s shift towards the United States on foreign policy matters, arguing that potential participation in Aukus pillar 2 indirectly links New Zealand to the Middle East conflict.

The recent UN vote and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have exposed tensions within the New Zealand government and highlighted the complexities of navigating international relations in a rapidly changing world.

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