Ed Husic, one of Labor's most senior ministers, has publicly expressed "deep concerns" about the government's decision to host Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The rare public dissent from a Cabinet member reveals deep divisions within Labor over the party's Israel-Gaza stance as an election approaches.
The Guardian reports that Husic, the Industry Minister, stated publicly: "I don't think this was a good decision."
Mate, when a Cabinet minister publicly criticises their own government's decision, that's not just notable - it's extraordinary. Cabinet solidarity is supposed to be sacrosanct in Westminster systems.
Husic is one of the few Muslim MPs in Parliament and has been vocal about civilian casualties in Gaza. His willingness to break ranks shows how Israel-Gaza is fracturing Labor's caucus along religious and generational lines.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces a political minefield on Israel-Palestine. Labor's traditional base includes strong support for Palestinian rights, particularly among younger voters and Muslim communities. But the party also has historical ties to Israel and counts many pro-Israel MPs in its ranks.
The timing of Herzog's visit is politically fraught. Israel's military operations in Gaza have killed tens of thousands of civilians, according to Palestinian health authorities. For many Australians, rolling out the red carpet for Israel's president sends the wrong message.
Whether other Labor MPs share Husic's view but are staying quiet remains to be seen. What's certain is that his public intervention has given permission for others to speak out.
For Albanese, this is a test of authority. Does he discipline Husic for breaking Cabinet solidarity? Or does he tolerate dissent to avoid inflaming tensions further?
Either way, Israel-Gaza has become Labor's most divisive internal issue since the Iraq War. And it's not going away before the next election.
