Labor MP Ed Husic has called on the Australian government to take concrete action against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, arguing that the recent recognition of the state of Palestine must be backed by measures to address what he described as "settler terrorism."
In a speech to parliament, Husic highlighted the scale of displacement: roughly 5,900 Palestinians have been completely or partially displaced by settler violence since January 2023, along with 32,000 Palestinians forcibly removed from their homes in West Bank refugee camps last year.
Military Leaders Warn of Ethnic Cleansing
The severity of the situation has drawn warnings from former Israeli military figures. Major General Eyal Ben-Reuven, who spent his life fighting for Israel and recently visited the occupied West Bank, remarked: "This, what the settlers are doing here, is the real threat to Israel. This is more concerning to me than Iran, Gaza or Lebanon."
Former Israeli minister of health and retired brigadier general Ephraim Sneh stated: "This is ethnic cleansing, to put it simply." Retired air force general Asaf Agmon declared: "Once a society behaves this way – that society is doomed."
UK Takes Action, Australia Holds Back
Husic noted that the UK Labour government, led by new prime minister Andy Burnham, has taken action by targeting illegal settlements and settlement expansion through banning imports. However, even before the UK formally announced its moves, Australia declared it would not embrace the same measures.
"I'd be misleading the parliament if I was to say I wasn't disappointed," Husic said. The justification given was: "We have concerns about the implementation of a blanket ban and unintended consequences for Australian businesses, for Palestinians and for Israelis."
Husic drew a contrast with Australia's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, noting that Australia has imposed 1,800 sanctions and strict tariffs on Russia, which has seen the total value of Australia's imports from Russia drop by around 99%. "It would sound quite odd for us to say we wouldn't impose sanctions on Russia because of the impact on Australian businesses or Ukrainians or Russians," he said.
Historical Parallels and Labor's Legacy
Husic invoked former prime minister Bob Hawke's principled campaign for comprehensive financial sanctions against apartheid South Africa. Former foreign minister Gareth Evans said those measures were "profoundly practically important in their economic, and ultimately, endgame political impact." Husic questioned: "Imagine telling Bob Hawke not to impose bans or measures on South Africa because it would affect Australian businesses or the very South Africans resisting apartheid?"
He acknowledged that prime minister Anthony Albanese has led a government that can justifiably be proud of being the first Australian government to recognise the state of Palestine. But he argued: "Having stated the ambition, we must act to protect it. Because settler terrorism is tearing to shreds our ambition to see a state of Palestine – and we cannot sticky tape that back together with yet another statement."
Husic has urged regularly, before and after the ALP national conference, the need for concrete action, stating that the Netanyahu government will simply ride out the flurry of statements that Australia or other nations issue. He referenced Ben Chifley's 1949 words: "We have a great objective – the light on the hill – which we aim to reach by working the betterment of mankind not only here but anywhere we may give a helping hand."
Nearly a dozen other nations agreed to join the UK in its stand this week. Husic noted that the only government to enthusiastically support Australia's decision not to join the UK and other nations was the Netanyahu government. He concluded: "We should recognise the expectations of so many Australians, who want to see action taken to see the end of suffering for innocent Palestinians."
