Australian news and politics live updates: Trump meets Netanyahu for vital talks, Oscar Jenkins’ fate
Stay up to date with world politics, breaking news, views and opinion as The Nightly provides live updates throughout the day.
Key Events
Gazans should be relocated
“We should go to other countries of interest with humanitarian hearts, and there are many of them they want to do this, and build various domains that will ultimately be occupied by the 1.8 million Palestinians living in Gaza.
Mr Trump said the relocation would be paid for by neighbouring countries of “:great wealth”.
“The people will be able to live in comfort and peace and we willmake sure that something reallyspectacular is done, they will have peace and not going to be shot at and killed and destroyed like this civilisation of wonderful people.
“The only reason the Palestinians want to go back to Gaza is they have no alternative, it’s right now a demolition site, this is a demolition site, virtually every building is down, they are living under fallen concrete that is very dangerous and very precarious, the instant can occupy all of a beautiful area with homes and safety and they can live out their lives in peace and harmony instead of having to go back and do it again. “
October 7, Ukraine wouldn’t have happened on my watch
Mr Trump blames the “weakness and incompetence” of the Biden years for grave damage around the globe, including in the Middle East.
“October 7 would never have happened if I were President, the Ukraine and Russia disaster would never have happened if I were President and over the past 16 months, Israel has endured a sustained aggressive and ... assault on every front but they fought back bravely.”
“What we have witnessed is an all-out attack on the very existenceof a Jewish state in the Jewish homeland.
“The Israelis have stood strong and united in the face of an enemy that is kidnapped, tortured, raped and slaughtered innocent men, women, children and even little babies, want to salute the Israeli people for meeting these trials with courage and determination and unflinching resolve, they have been strong.”
Trump praises Netanyahu after ‘fantastic talks’
It’s on. Trump is addressing the world’s media after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahu at the White House.
“He is the first foreign head of state to visit during our administration and I want to say it’s an honour to have you with us. Over the past four years, the US and the Israeli Allianz has been tested more than any time in history,” Mr Trump said.
“But the bonds of friendship andaffection between the American andIsraeli people have endured forgenerations and they are absolutely unbreakable, they are unbreakable.
“I’m confident that under our leadership, the cherished alliance between our two countries will soon be stronger than ever, we had a great relationship, we had great victories together, four years ago and that’s how many victories overthe past four years, however.”
Trump and Netanyahu’s staff gathering ahead of news conference
US President Donald Trump has been meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, with a media conference to follow shortly.
Staff of both leaders and the members of the world’s media are now gathering in the White House’s East Room in preparation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are also present.
We’ll bring you the leader’s comments as they happen.
Australia’s Future Fund smashes growth target
Investments in toll roads and student housing added a hefty $26 billion to Australia’s sovereign wealth in 2024.
The 12.2 per cent return on The Future Fund was well in excess of the 6.4 per cent mandated target and brings the 10-year return to 8.1 per cent, the fund’s Board of Guardians announced on Wednesday.
Since its establishment in 2006, investment returns have added $177 billion to put the fund at a record $237.9 billion in value.
Ukraine promises to negotiate exchange of POW Oscar Jenkins
The Ukrainian government has promised to negotiate the exchange of captured Australian Oscar Jenkins as the two nations reiterate their co-operation against Russia’s invasion.
Ukrainian ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said his government has added Mr Jenkins to its list of prisoners of war after Russian officials confirmed the 32-year-old Melburnian was alive and in captivity.
“He had a contract with the Ukrainian Defence Forces so all the international law applies to him. So he will get on that list,” Mr Myroshnychenko told ABC TV on Wednesday.
Trump ramps up ‘maximum pressure’ campaign on Iran
Donald Trump has restored his “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran that includes efforts to drive its oil exports down to zero in order to stop Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump signed the presidential memorandum reimposing Washington’s tough policy on Iran that was practiced throughout his first term.
As he signed the memo, Trump described it as very tough and said he was torn on whether to make the move. He said Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and he hopes that a deal can be worked out with Tehran.
Trump has accused former President Joe Biden of failing to rigorously enforce oil-export sanctions, which Trump says emboldened Tehran by allowing it to sell oil to fund a nuclear weapons program and armed militias in the Middle East.
‘Who would want to go back?’: Trump on Gaza
Donald Trump has said if Palestinians had an alternative they would never return to Gaza.
“This is a very, very difficult situation but we’re going to get it solved. I don’t think people should be going back to Gaza. I think that Gaza has been very unlucky for them.
“They’ve lived like hell.
“Gaza is not a place for people to be living and the only reason they want to go back - and I believe this strongly - is because they have no alternative.
“What’s the alternative? Go where? There’s no other alternative. If they had an alternative, they’d much rather not go back to Gaza and live in a beautiful alternative that’s safe.”
Trump and Netanyahu about to hold joint press conference
US President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are about to hold a joint prss conference. We’ll bring you their comments as it gets underway.
‘Serious concerns’ held for Aussie writer imprisoned in China
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has issued a statement on the Government’s “serious concerns” for Australian writer Dr Yang Hengjun who is imprisoned in China on national security charges.
Today marks one year since he received a suspended death sentence in Beijing.
“The past year, and the five years of detention before his sentencing, have been a difficult and dark time for Dr Yang. Throughout, he has demonstrated his inner strength and remarkable resilience,” said Senator Wong, adding her thoughts were with him and his family.
“The Australian Government has made clear to China that we remain appalled by Dr Yang’s suspended death sentence. We hold serious concerns about Dr Yang’s health and conditions. We continue to press to ensure his needs are met and he receives appropriate medical care,” she continued.
“Dr Yang is entitled to basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment, in accordance with international norms and China’s legal obligations.
“In his communication with the Government, Dr Yang has made clear he knows he has the support of his country. We want to see him reunited with his family. The Government will continue to advocate for Dr Yang at every opportunity.”
