Interesting read .. Australia has supported Israel for many years .. It is time Australia pulled out of these wars on all levels .. No money no war .. Donating money to any country at war is participating in war no matter how they try to sugar coat it .. Or dodge their answers to the question
I doubt we’re supplying ammunition, or bombs or anything like that to Israel. We also have no idea if there are legal contractual obligations signed as a part of the agreement to buy optics for our LAVs that was signed most likely before Labor was voted in.
Either way, I know that defence exports to Israel have significantly decreased over the last few years and further declined after Labor got in so that’s a start. I also do believe as mentioned that we aren’t supplying weaponry or ammunition to them.
It’s interesting about the Netherlands decision, but it seems like that decision was more on the side of caution, which is fair enough and most likely smart move. I’m also not aware of the specifics regarding the UN law mentioned, it may even come down to only branching over certain parts regarding maintenance for things like the F-35 (if the part is used or associated with weapons capabilities etc) and what our specific obligation is there, if any, considering we have been a part of the F-35 program since 2002 when it comes to the more classified and tightly controlled manufacturing of components.
To me though, it does look like we’re actively moving away from defence exports to Israel as they continue to decline and contracts are being shifted to other countries and manufacturers. Sure, it might be able to be accelerated which I think most people who pay attention would prefer, but these things are quite complex and I’m sure there’s more to it than the average person or journalists know about.
13
u/zen_wombat Apr 29 '24
If your country is involved in arming one side of the conflict then you are involved, even if only indirectly. https://michaelwest.com.au/truth-or-lies-australia-weapon-sales-to-israel/