Labor MP Ed Husic has declared that Australia has tolerated poor behaviour from the Israeli government for too long, urging Canberra to establish a 'red line' that includes tougher sanctions, an end to defence cooperation, and a block on supplying parts for the F-35 fighter jet. The former industry and science minister pointed to a pattern of misconduct by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, including the mistreatment of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, and the destruction of Australian war graves.
Growing Disquiet Among Labor MPs
Husic told Guardian Australia that there is growing unease among Labor MPs regarding Israel, especially after National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunted detained flotilla activists last week. Foreign Minister Penny Wong summoned the Israeli ambassador over the incident, and both she and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the actions. Israel has denied allegations of mistreatment, asserting that all detainees were held 'in accordance with the law.' Israeli Ambassador Hillel Newman claimed the flotilla members were handled with 'great sensitivity.' Ben-Gvir was sanctioned by Australia in June 2025 for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Call for Action Over Statements
'We've tolerated this for too long,' Husic said. '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.' He expressed concern that history will judge Australia and the international community harshly for failing to act on warnings of potential genocide in Gaza. 'We know our obligations under the genocide convention,' he added, though Israel rejects the genocide charge, citing its right to self-defence after the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023.
Specific Measures Proposed
Speaking after Defence Minister Richard Marles briefed the Labor caucus, Husic called for Australia to work with the European Union on coordinated sanctions, now that former Hungarian leader Viktor Orban is out of power. He advocated banning trade with illegal settlements, ending defence cooperation with Israel, and ceasing supply of F-35 parts. 'Enough is enough,' Husic said. 'We should just say we are not going to supply those parts.' He also urged the Australian Federal Police and defence force to monitor dual nationals returning from Israel who may have been involved in the conflict, over concerns about their behaviour towards pro-Palestinian campaigners.
Defence Cooperation Under Scrutiny
In November 2024, the defence department confirmed it had amended or lapsed at least 16 defence-related export permits to Israel as part of a review of 66 active exports. Marles defended Australia's participation in the F-35 program, noting that Australian-made parts are part of a global supply chain. Husic argued the government is hiding behind the complexity of the arrangement. '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,' he concluded.
