The Greens are set to further ramp up pressure on the Labor government regarding its response to the Gaza war by proposing a motion in the Senate, demanding that Australia impose sanctions on Israeli government officials.
The motion, which is expected to be voted on when parliament resumes in mid-August after the winter recess, was announced by Greens senator Jordon Steele-John. The proposed sanctions would target key figures in the Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
The push for sanctions comes in the wake of an application by the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) prosecutor, Karim Khan KC, for warrants to arrest five individuals in connection with events in Gaza and Israel since Hamas's attacks on October 7. The warrants are sought for three Hamas leaders as well as Netanyahu and Gallant. Khan has stated that there are “reasonable grounds to believe” that Netanyahu and Gallant bear responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including “starvation of civilians as a method of warfare.”
The Israeli government has rejected these allegations, arguing that they are part of an effort to deny Israel’s right to self-defense. The ICC’s pre-trial chamber has yet to decide on the application.
Senator Steele-John emphasized the urgency of the motion, stating at Parliament House,
“This motion, which has been lodged today, will be considered and voted on in the next parliamentary sitting week. The Greens will be placing pressure upon parliamentary members to vote for that motion when the parliament returns.”
He further highlighted the Albanese government’s precedent of placing autonomous sanctions on individuals and entities connected to Iran, Syria, and Russia, suggesting it is time for similar measures against the Netanyahu government.
The proposed sanctions by the Greens are expected to provoke significant debate in parliament, reflecting broader international concerns and calls for accountability in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.
