2025-07-30
The Prime Minister today dismissed calls for sanctions and material action to stop the genocide in Gaza as “slogans”. This is deeply insulting to the millions of Australians calling for the Prime Minister to move from mere words to clear action to pressure Israel to end the bombing and killing of Palestinians and let aid flow into Gaza.
The statement signed by Australia on July 21, 2025, made it very clear that “we are prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire.” Israel rejected this statement in less than 24 hours, yet the Government has taken no steps. As the Prime Minister himself stated, his empty slogans, without action, will not feed starving children in Gaza.
The Prime Minister’s position that we cannot put sanctions on Israel because, unlike Russia, it is a democracy, is a bizarre argument. It has no basis in international law that is concerned with the actions of governments, not their electoral system, and it gives Israel full license to continue what they are doing in Gaza.
The precedent for action in response to an illegal war is clear. When a country illegally occupies another and commits war crimes, then comprehensive sanctions are needed. Australia responded clearly to Russia with a comprehensive sanctions regime, this can and must be replicated with Israel.
Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, said: “All we have seen from the Albanese Government over the past two years is empty statements and slogans. It is the greatest example of projection, I think I have seen, to call a clear ask for sanctions a ‘slogan.’”
“For two years, the Prime Minister and the Labor Government have been told they need to stop the export of goods that facilitate the illegal occupation of the West Bank and genocide in Gaza. They have ignored these calls and instead chosen to issue wishy-washy statements, now it is time to act.
“I encourage the Prime Minister to reach out to the Australian Sanctions Office to understand how Australia is implementing its comprehensive prohibition on the two-way arms trade with Russia as the clearest example for Israel.
“Mirroring the prohibition of arms and related material trade with Russia would have a substantial impact if implemented on Israel. It would stop the export of F-35 fighter jet parts and the import of almost $2 billion worth of Israeli weapons.
“A good example of a slogan that distracts from meaningful action is the Foreign Minister Senator Wong calling F-35 fighter jet parts ‘non-lethal.’”