Calls for Action on Israel’s Conduct
Labor MP Ed Husic has stated that Australia has tolerated unacceptable behaviour from the Israeli government for too long. He is advocating for Canberra to establish a “red line” that includes implementing tougher sanctions, ending defence cooperation, and blocking certain activities.
Husic, the former industry and science minister, highlighted a pattern of misconduct by the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This includes incidents involving the Global Sumud Flotilla and the treatment of activists associated with it.
“We’ve tolerated this for too long,” Husic told Australia.
“We’ve issued statements, and they’ve been important in terms of flagging our view, but at some point the statements have got to end and the action needs to begin.”
Growing Concern Among Labor MPs
Husic noted increasing unease within the Labor Party regarding Israel’s actions, especially following the conduct of Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who taunted detained flotilla activists last week. In response, Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, summoned Israel’s ambassador to discuss the incident. Both Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have condemned these actions.
Israel has denied allegations of mistreatment, asserting that all prisoners and detainees are held “in accordance with the law.” The Israeli ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, stated last week that the detained flotilla members were treated with “great sensitivity.”
Ben-Gvir was sanctioned by Australia in June 2025 for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Warnings of Potential Genocide and International Obligations
Since returning to the backbench after the 2025 election, Husic has been outspoken about concerns regarding potential genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized Australia’s and the international community’s responsibilities.
“I am concerned that history will not look favourably on us and members in the international community that failed to act with vigour when they were warned.
“We know our obligations under the genocide convention.”
Israel rejects the genocide accusation, citing its right to self-defence following the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, which resulted in 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and 251 hostages taken. The ensuing war in Gaza has caused over 64,000 deaths, predominantly civilians, and more than 160,000 injuries.
Concerns Over Regional Destabilization
After Defence Minister Richard Marles outlined Australia’s position at a Labor caucus meeting, Husic expressed concerns about Israel’s bombing campaign in southern Lebanon and its involvement in the conflict in Iran, describing these actions as destabilising the international environment.
He urged Australia to collaborate with the European Union to coordinate stronger sanctions, especially now that former Hungarian leader Viktor Orban is no longer in power. Earlier in the month, EU members agreed to impose new sanctions targeting Israeli settlers and senior Hamas figures.
“I’ve said we should just ban any trade with illegal settlements, because we’re effectively propping them up,” Husic said.
“I’ve said that the defence cooperation that we do with them should end, particularly considering that ICJ has taken a view of plausible genocide.
“Longer term, if that is upheld, it will be a source of profound embarrassment for us.”
Defence Export Permits and F-35 Program
In November 2024, Australia’s Defence Department confirmed it had amended or allowed to lapse at least 16 defence-related export permits to Israel, as part of a review of 66 active exports at that time.
Marles defended Australia’s involvement in the international F-35 fighter jet program, which includes Australian-made parts supplied within the global supply chain for Israeli jets.
Australia is a participant in the Joint Strike Fighter Program, meaning Australian companies provide F-35 components under a global agreement.
Husic criticized the government for using the complexity of this arrangement as a justification to continue cooperation. Australia reported that Marles told Labor MPs the F-35 capability is “at the heart” of the Royal Australian Air Force’s operations, making trade restrictions with Israel challenging.
“Enough is enough,” Husic said. “We should just say we are not going to supply those parts.”
Monitoring Dual Nationals and Establishing a Red Line
Husic also called for the Australian Federal Police and Defence Force to monitor dual nationals returning from Israel if they had been involved in the conflict, citing concerns about their behaviour, including potential targeting of pro-Palestinian campaigners.
“I’ve said, it is time to establish a red line. There are a list of things we could do, and we should start looking to do them,” Husic said.
