A United Nations expert has called for Australia to terminate its defence agreements with Israel, warning that failure to do so could implicate the country in potential genocide. In remarks made prior to a National Press Club address, Australian human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti emphasized that Australia’s international reputation is at stake, particularly following its recent recognition of the state of Palestine at the UN.
“We should be ending all defence cooperation, including closing the Australian government’s Defence and Trade office in Jerusalem,” Sidoti stated. He urged immediate action to prevent what he described as a genocide in Gaza, which has escalated amid ongoing conflict.
Sidoti serves as one of three commissioners appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. Their landmark report, released earlier in September, concluded that Israel’s military actions in Gaza amount to genocide. This 72-page document has intensified pressure on Australia to reassess its military partnerships with Israel.
The former Australian human rights commissioner also advocated for stricter sanctions against Israel and called for measures to ensure that no Australian-made components are supplied to Israeli military aircraft. Approximately 70 Australian companies are involved in the global supply chain for the F-35 fighter jet program, which has seen its aircraft deployed in Gaza, according to the Australian Defence Department. Sidoti argued that Australia would be contributing to “the international criminal activities of the Israeli military” if components from Australian companies were used in these jets.
Despite the seriousness of these allegations, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles have dismissed inquiries about the F-35 supply chain, stating that it is managed by Lockheed Martin, a US weapons manufacturer. Sidoti criticized this stance as an evasion of responsibility, stating, “It’s not a matter of economic interests. It’s a matter of international legal obligations.”
He further highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where civilians face relentless military action. “The Palestinian people in Gaza have no way to escape from the scorched earth policy, the saturation bombing and the slaughter being conducted by the IDF,” Sidoti remarked, reflecting on the severity of the humanitarian crisis.
In response to the UN report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the findings as “baseless,” while simultaneously promoting a 20-point peace plan in collaboration with US President Donald Trump. This plan includes proposals for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a cessation of Israel’s military operations in Palestinian territories, which have displaced over two million people.
Albanese has shown support for the peace plan, which comes amid escalating violence. According to the local health ministry in Gaza, more than 65,000 people have died due to Israel’s military actions over the past two years. This includes a significant number of civilian casualties, with over 20,000 children reported among the fatalities.
As discussions unfold regarding Australia’s role in this international crisis, Sidoti’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in global defence partnerships and the ethical responsibilities that come with them. The call for Australia to act decisively in alignment with international law may resonate strongly as the nation seeks to position itself as a credible player on the global stage.
