Australia reviews military export permits to Israel amid criticism

Australia is conducting a thorough review of all 66 military export permits granted to Israel before last year’s invasion of Gaza, according to a report by The Guardian. The review, led by the Department of Defense, examines each permit on a case-by-case basis to ensure compliance with Australia’s international obligations, particularly concerning human rights.

“As circumstances in the Middle East evolve, Australia continues to scrutinize pre-existing export permits to Israel to ensure they align with our calibrated approach,” an unnamed defense spokesperson was quoted as saying.

The review process was prompted by an application from the Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ) to Defense Minister Richard Marles in April. The ACIJ called for the cancellation of all active export permits to Israel and to other nations that might eventually transfer equipment to Israel.

Despite the review, Canberra has maintained that it has not supplied any weapons or ammunition to Israel since the war broke out. However, criticism has grown over the lack of transparency regarding the specifics of what each permit covers.

The federal government has defended its position, emphasizing its continued role in supplying parts for the global supply chain of the F-35 fighter aircraft. These aircraft have been used by Israel in Gaza, where the conflict has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction.

According to the Defense Ministry, Australia is not a major defense exporter to Israel, but it does require permits for a range of items, including IT equipment, software, radios, electronic components, and dual-use goods. Since 2019, Australia has issued around 247 export permits related to Israel, with about 66 of those still active.

The review has sparked mixed reactions within the Australian political landscape. The Greens, Australia’s third-largest political party, has called for an immediate halt to all military trade with Israel. The party’s defense spokesperson, David Shoebridge, urged the government to cease any actions that could “embolden Israel to continue the genocide.”

The government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected the notion of ending existing contracts with Israeli firms that supply equipment to the Australian Defense Force and police.

The ACIJ welcomed the review, attributing it to sustained pressure from public protests and advocacy groups. “For the past 12 months, the Australian government has been put on notice from the ICJ, the ICC, UN bodies, and countless international organisations about Israel’s long catalogue of violations of international law,” the center said in a statement on X, calling for a comprehensive arms embargo against Israel.

Human rights advocate Rawan Arraf criticized the government’s delay in initiating the review and emphasized the need for transparency in scrutinizing the export permits. “There is no excuse for the long delay in reviewing current arms exports. The review must also include scrutiny of exports that are ending up in Israel,” Arraf stated in a post on X.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the review of these export permits signals Australia’s effort to balance its international commitments with domestic and global calls for stricter scrutiny on military exports.