Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed he will not visit Israel amid the conflict in Gaza, despite calls for him to do so from the federal opposition.
"At this point in time, I have no plans to visit the Middle East," Albanese said in Perth on Friday.
The prime minister added there was "no disagreement" from Australian security agencies about his position.
Albanese pointed out that his priority has been to engage with Australian representatives of both sides of the conflict.
"I've engaged, I have met personally with the Israeli ambassador, I had him to my residence, and had discussions with leaders of the Palestinian community, leaders of the Jewish community here in Australia," he said.
The Prime Minister leaves for the United States to meet Joe Biden on Monday, with opposition leader Peter Dutton suggesting Albanese should stop in Tel Aviv en route to Washington.
US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have both visited Israel in recent days, while French president Emmanuel Macron has reportedly said he would visit Israel in the next few days or weeks.
However, the Australian PM pointed out that these nations are among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, along with China and Russia.
Focusing on his US trip, Albanese said he was honoured to accept President Biden's invitation to undertake an official visit to Washington DC.
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"Australia and the United States have a longstanding relationship, based on deep friendship and trust and a shared commitment to peace, the rule of law and the values of democracy," he said.
"My visit is an important opportunity to discuss our ambitious climate and clean energy transition, and shared goal of a strong, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific."
