Welcome to the Israel Institute of New Zealand 2020 Voters’ Guide. Our first guide was in 2017 and this one was also compiled after we wrote to all MPs asking for their and their party positions on Israel.

Opposes NZ funding extremism

New Conservatives have committed to NZ withdrawing funding of UNRWA.

One Party has clearly said they will stop the use of Kiwi tax-payer money “funding UNRWA, which is implicated in fostering antisemitism and encouraging radicalism, until there is evidence of reform.”

Condemns Palestinian terror

New Conservatives have clearly stated their opposition to terror against Israel.

One Party clearly condemns terror against Israel and have pledged to designate Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Hezbollah as terrorist entities.

  • National has not mentioned Palestinian terror or the incitement to terror from Palestinian leaders, including the “pay to slay” policy of the Palestinian Authority (the PA financially rewards Palestinians and/or their families for the murder of Israeli civilians.
  • Labour has not mentioned Palestinian terror or the incitement to terror from Palestinian leaders, including the “pay to slay” policy of the Palestinian Authority (the PA financially rewards Palestinians and/or their families for the murder of Israeli civilians.
  • NZ First has not mentioned Palestinian terror or the incitement to terror from Palestinian leaders, including the “pay to slay” policy of the Palestinian Authority (the PA financially rewards Palestinians and/or their families for the murder of Israeli civilians.
  • Greens have not mentioned Palestinian terror or the incitement to terror from Palestinian leaders, including the “pay to slay” policy of the Palestinian Authority (the PA financially rewards Palestinians and/or their families for the murder of Israeli civilians.
  • Act has not mentioned Palestinian terror or the incitement to terror from Palestinian leaders, including the “pay to slay” policy of the Palestinian Authority (the PA financially rewards Palestinians and/or their families for the murder of Israeli civilians. However, Act responded to IINZ to say they, while they do not comment on international affairs, they are supportive of Israel. Act leader, David Seymour has hosted the Israeli ambassador on a number of occasions and made a point of meeting him following his return after NZ co-sponsored UNSC 2334.

Supports negotiated solution

National has apologised for their role in UNSC2334, showing a willingness to encourage a negotiated solution rather than pressuring only one side to make concessions.

The New Conservatives have expressed support for a negotiated solution.

  • Labour has not condemned one of their MP’s support of the discriminatory BDS campaign. BDS is incompatible with a negotiated solution. Even if the stated policy of Labour is to support a negotiated solution, their actions speak louder.
  • NZ First has not stated a view on a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
  • Greens have not made any statements about their position.
  • Act has not made any statements about their position. However, Act responded to IINZ to say they, while they do not comment on international affairs, they are supportive of Israel. Act leader, David Seymour has hosted the Israeli ambassador on a number of occasions and made a point of meeting him following his return after NZ co-sponsored UNSC 2334.
  • One Party has not stated a view on a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Supports ties with Israel

National has indicated they would like to have a NZ embassy in Israel (rather than the ambassador being based in Turkey).

New Conservatives have clearly stated their desire for an embassy in Jerusalem.

  • Labour has not made any comment on building closer ties with Israel. However, no Labour leader has condemned one of their MPs openly supporting the discriminatory BDS campaign that seeks to isolate Israel.
  • NZ First has not made any comment on building closer ties with Israel.
  • Greens have not made any comment on building closer ties with Israel.
  • Act has not made any comment on building closer ties with Israel. However, Act responded to IINZ to say they, while they do not comment on international affairs, they are supportive of Israel. Act leader, David Seymour has hosted the Israeli ambassador on a number of occasions and made a point of meeting him following his return after NZ co-sponsored UNSC 2334.
  • One Party strongly supports closer ties, including a New Zealand embassy in Jerusalem and stronger trade ties.
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