It’s not too late for Anthony Albanese to withdraw the invitation to the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog. It should be withdrawn for three reasons.

The first is institutional. The president of Israel is a constitutional role that is head of state but not part of the political or military chain of command. The office is similar to that of Australia’s governor general, though with somewhat more power. As head of state, the president embodies and represents the state of Israel.

The international court of justice has found that Israel unlawfully occupies the Palestinian territories, has unlawfully purported to annex parts of the Palestinian territories and unlawfully plants, encourages and maintains unlawful settlements in Palestinian territories. The court is also trying a case in which Israel is accused of genocide.

The international criminal court has issued arrest warrants against the Israeli prime minister and former defence minister, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The same court is investigating other senior Israeli military and political leaders on similar charges. The UN commission of inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory has found evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocidal intent by Israeli........

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