Former foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer slams Labor for turning Australia into a ‘laughing stock’ over Israel stance

Former foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer has ripped into the Albanese government for having “totally destroyed” Australia’s diplomatic influence over its stance on the conflict in the Middle East.

Mr Downer, the country’s longest serving foreign minister, said Australia had become a “laughing stock” over its position on Israel, as the Jewish state tries to “save Western civilisation”.

Speaking to Sky News host Chris Kenny on Thursday evening, Mr Downer said it was “worrying” the Labor government had “totally destroyed” Australia’s influence in the Middle East and around the world over its stance on Israel.