The Albanese government faces mounting political pressure over military exports to Israel following inflammatory public remarks from the former military officer who ordered the deadly 2024 drone strike on an aid convoy in Gaza, according to statements from the Australian Greens.
Greens Accuse Canberra of Weakness Over Israel Military Exports
The Australian Greens have accused the federal government of weakness for failing to halt military exports and impose new sanctions following comments by former Israel Defense Forces reserve colonel Nochi Mendel. Mendel told media outlets he would do “exactly the same thing” again if presented with the same circumstances and asserted that the World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers killed in the April 2024 attack were “not innocent”.
Greens defence spokesperson David Shoebridge dismissed the federal response as insufficient. According to Shoebridge, government expressions of outrage are meaningless without material policy changes. He called on the Albanese government to halt the sale of parts for the F-35 fighter jet and to issue material reprimands to members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. “Anyone can condemn the actions of the Israeli military, but only the government can impose the sanctions and material responses needed,” Shoebridge said, as reported by Guardian Australia.
Government Condemnation and Ongoing Demands for Accountability
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong condemned Mendel’s remarks as “utterly disgraceful” during an interview with the ABC, adding that she avoided reviewing the full details of his statements to avoid giving them credence. Wong reiterated that the Australian government remains dissatisfied with Israel’s decision not to lay criminal charges against those responsible for the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six colleagues.
Last month, Israel’s advocate general declined to press charges over the incident, concluding there was “no reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct”. Wong stated that Canberra will continue to press for full accountability, emphasizing that aid workers are protected under the Geneva conventions.
World Central Kitchen Demands Independent Investigation
World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés slammed Mendel’s remarks as an “outrageous smear” against humanitarians providing food to civilians in Gaza. Andrés stated that the charity demands an independent investigation with full public release of video and audio evidence. “Enough with the outrageous smears. Enough with excuses. Enough with the shifting of blame,” Andrés said in a published statement.
The family of Zomi Frankcom also issued a statement expressing deep disappointment regarding the decision not to pursue criminal charges, calling for transparency and an independent judicial assessment of the violations that occurred during the successive drone strikes along Gaza’s coast road.
Did you know?
Investigations by the IDF itself and the former head of the Australian military have found no suggestion of any connection between Hamas and World Central Kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Gaza aid convoy strike?
Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six of her colleagues were killed while bringing food to the people of Gaza in 2024.
What did the former IDF officer say about the incident?
Former IDF reserve colonel Nochi Mendel stated in interviews that he did not regret the attacks, would do “exactly the same thing” again, and claimed the humanitarians killed were “not innocent”.
What actions are the Australian Greens demanding?
The Greens are calling for the sale of parts for the F-35 fighter jet to be immediately halted and for material reprimand for members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
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