2025-08-08
The Israeli Government's announcement that it plans to occupy Gaza, forcibly displace over one million people and continue the genocide must be condemned and followed by swift action from the Albanese Government.
After two years of inaction, this must be a red line for the Albanese Government. Sanctions to the level of what was introduced against Russia following its illegal invasion of Ukraine, including an end to the two-way arms trade with Israel, are a necessity.
The Albanese Government has ignored the continued breaches of international law by the Israeli Government. The Greens, human rights organisations and millions of people have been calling for sanctions. It’s time the Albanese Government listened.
Russian-style sanctions on Israel would halt millions of dollars in trade that fuels the occupation and genocide in Palestine. These sanctions must also be extended to the Security Cabinet of Israel, which has just signed off on another bloody escalation in the genocide.
Greens Senator and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:
"What we're witnessing in Gaza goes beyond military strategy, it's the systematic erasure of Palestinians through forced displacement and occupation.
“This is entering the final stages of a genocide.
“It’s not good enough for the Albanese government to still be debating how strong our language should be.
“Recognition of the Palestinian State is being used by the Albanese Government not as a fundamental right all people have to self-determination, but as a distraction from the fact that they have taken next to no material action against the State of Israel. Increasingly harsh statements will not feed people, it will not stop the Israeli war machine. Sanctions will.
“If Australia were to end the arms trade with Israel and stop the export of F-35 fighter jet parts, the Israeli fleet would, over time, be grounded. That is what action looks like.
“If the same sanctions regime that applies against Russia were applied against Israel, then today’s decision by Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet would see each of them hit with Magnitsky sanctions.
“The time is now for immediate and strong action, and we can look to the actions taken against Russia as a clear guide, end the two-way arms trade and sanction key decision makers, including the Security Cabinet.
“This is a fundamental test for the Albanese Government. Either they believe in international law and will enforce it against Israel, or they will continue to hide in Donald Trump’s shadow. One is a pathway towards decency and independence, and the other is one of complete moral surrender."