CANBERRA: Australia is reviewing all 66 active military export permits to Israel that were approved prior to last year’s invasion of Gaza, The Guardian reported on Saturday, citing Defense Ministry sources. The review, being conducted by the Department of Defense, is focused on ensuring compliance with international obligations, particularly concerning human rights.
An unnamed spokesperson for the Defense Ministry said that the review is being carried out on a case-by-case basis as circumstances in the Middle East continue to evolve. “Australia continues to scrutinize pre-existing export permits to Israel to ensure they align with our calibrated approach,” the spokesperson said as reported by The Guardian.
The review follows a request from the Australian Centre for International Justice, which, in April, urged Defense Minister Richard Marles to annul all existing export permits to Israel and prevent transfers of military equipment to countries that could later supply it to Israel.
Despite the ongoing review, the Australian government has maintained that it has not supplied weapons or ammunition to Israel since the conflict began. Australia has faced criticism for a lack of transparency over the specifics of the export permits.
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Australia’s involvement in the global supply chain for parts of the F-35 fighter aircraft—used by Israel in Gaza—has also come under scrutiny. The Israeli bombardment has led to widespread destruction in Gaza, with over 42,603 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 7, 2023.
While Australia is not considered a major defense exporter to Israel, the permits cover a range of items including IT equipment, radios, electronic components, and dual-use goods. Since 2019, Australia has issued around 247 export permits related to Israel, with 66 currently active.
Australia’s third-largest political party, the Greens, has called for an immediate end to all military trade with Israel. David Shoebridge, the party’s defense spokesperson, condemned any arms dealings with Israel, stating, “Australia must not do anything to embolden Israel to continue the genocide.”
However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government has resisted calls to end defense contracts with Israeli companies supplying equipment to the Australian Defense Force and police.
The Australian Centre for International Justice welcomed the review, crediting it to growing public and protest pressure. They have advocated for a full arms embargo on Israel, saying, “No imports, no exports, no transfers.”
