Labor MP Ed Husic has introduced a resolution calling for stronger Australian government action regarding Israel, referencing a United Nations inquiry that found Israeli authorities committed genocide and atrocity crimes in Gaza and war crimes in the West Bank. The resolution also cites a 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel is committing apartheid in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
"We have issued statements. We have done statements to death. It is time for concrete action."
— Ed Husic, Labor MP
Proposed Measures
The resolution put forward by Husic includes the following actions:
- Withdrawing Australian defense and trade representatives from the embassy in Tel Aviv.
- Tracking and prosecuting dual nationals who served in the Israeli Defence Forces and are alleged to have breached international law.
- Imposing trade sanctions on Israeli settlements.
- Consolidating diplomatic ties with Palestine.
Party Platform and Reactions
The draft party platform, agreed upon by factional leaders, condemns settler violence and a specific death penalty law. It also supports international courts considering charges against Israel. However, the draft omits a previous call for Hamas to disarm.
Peak Jewish groups have criticized the draft platform for not holding the Palestinian Authority accountable. In response to the resolution, the right-wing SDA union proposed a rival motion that takes a stronger stance against Hamas.
Additional Statements and Context
Husic also called for broader action outside the conference platform. He cited specific incidents, including the treatment of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, and the destruction of Australian war graves.
Husic noted growing disquiet among Labor MPs following events including taunts from Israel's national security minister toward detained flotilla activists. Australia sanctioned Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in June 2025 for inciting violence against Palestinians.
"We are a signatory to the genocide convention. I am very concerned about whether we are living up to our obligations."
— Ed Husic
Husic expressed concern about Australia's obligations under the genocide convention and referenced the ICJ's view of a plausible genocide in Gaza. He called for coordinating with the European Union on sanctions and banning trade with illegal settlements. He also argued for ending defense cooperation with Israel and for stopping the supply of F-35 parts to Israel, despite the complexity of the global supply chain.
Background and Responses
In November 2024, the Australian defence department amended or allowed to lapse at least 16 defense-related export permits to Israel. Australia is a party to the Joint Strike Fighter Program, which supplies F-35 parts globally. Defence Minister Richard Marles previously stated that the F-35 capability is central to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) operations and that restricting trade with Israel would be challenging due to treaty obligations.
Israel has rejected allegations of mistreatment and the charge of genocide.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong worked on a compromise proposal supported by MPs Josh Burns and Basem Abdo.