Greens Demand Australia Cancel Israeli Arms Deals Over Lebanon Strikes
The Greens defence spokesperson, David Shoebridge, has called for Australia to apply "real material pressure" on Israel regarding its military actions in Lebanon. This appeal coincides with former prime minister Tony Abbott advocating for Australian troops to join US forces in the Middle East.
Pressure Mounts Over Lebanon Conflict
The Greens are urging the federal government to take direct measures to halt Israel's deadly strikes on Lebanon. They propose cancelling weapons contracts as a protest against what they describe as a "disastrous, illegal, immoral war." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong have emphasised that southern Lebanon should be included in the nascent ceasefire agreement recently negotiated between the US and Iran.
Lebanese officials report that over 1,700 people have been killed since hostilities began in April. Notably, more than 300 of these fatalities occurred from Israeli bombing in the 24 hours following the announcement of a ceasefire in the Iran war on Tuesday night.
Shoebridge Advocates for Stronger Action
David Shoebridge welcomed Australia's stance on including Lebanon in ceasefire talks but argued that mere statements of concern are insufficient. "Penny Wong saying she's gravely concerned is not going to put the pressure on Israel to stop the illegal bombing, the plans to turn southern Lebanon into a new Gaza," he stated on ABC radio.
He highlighted that cancelling over $1 billion in Israeli arms contracts would not only address the moral implications of Israel's military attacks but also exert significant material pressure. This move, he asserted, could compel Israel to withdraw from a conflict that threatens global peace.
Government Response and Warnings
The federal government is closely monitoring the situation in Lebanon, home to thousands of Australian citizens. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised against travel to Lebanon since 28 February and urged Australians in the country to depart while commercial flights remain available. A department spokesperson stressed the worsening humanitarian crisis, displacement, and civilian casualties, warning that Lebanon's airspace could change abruptly.
In recent developments, Penny Wong announced $5 million in aid for civilians affected by the war. Energy Minister Chris Bowen reinforced that the ceasefire should encompass the entire region, stating, "Lebanese people have as much right to their rights as anybody else in the Middle East."
Abbott's Call for Military Involvement
Separately, former prime minister Tony Abbott criticised the government for not supporting the US more robustly, labelling it a betrayal of Australian values and national interests. In a Daily Telegraph opinion piece, he argued that Australia should deploy troops to assist the US-Israeli efforts against Iran, citing just causes such as preventing nuclear proliferation and upholding freedom of navigation.
Abbott contended that Australia should have proactively offered assistance to the White House, similar to its role in the campaign against Islamic State. He emphasised the need for strength and alignment with allies in global conflicts.
Government Rebuttal
Health Minister Mark Butler dismissed Abbott's intervention as unserious, noting that Australia has provided defensive support to the UAE, where many expatriates reside. Butler expressed a desire for the conflict to end without involving Australian defence personnel in offensive operations, reflecting broader community sentiment against such deployments.
This debate underscores the deepening political divisions in Australia over foreign policy in the Middle East, balancing humanitarian concerns with strategic alliances.
