Why it matters: A two-way arms embargo would prevent the further escalation of violence, and signal a commitment to upholding human right and international law. It also aligns with Australia’s responsibilities under the Arms Trade Treaty, which requires state parties to ensure that arms, components and dual use transfers (direct and indirect) do not contribute to violations of international law, or the commission to atrocities.

The UN’s Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, and others, have called for an arms embargo to address Israel’s ongoing genocide and illegal occupation, highlighting the role of arms transfers in prolonging these violations of law.

Labor: |

The Australian government allowed 66 export permits for military items to remain active throughout Israel’s genocide on Gaza, and has received imports of military items from Israel during this time. It was only in November 2024 that the government ended 16 of those military-related export permits, as part of a review process.

The Australian government has maintained contracts with weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems, and participated in the F-35 fighter jet supply chain, via the export of components. Evidence demonstrates that F-35 jets have been used in Israel’s genocidal attacks on Gaza.

On 11 April 2025, it was revealed that a weapon manufactured by Australian owned and based company EOS had been exported to Israel, via the US, for testing by Israel’s Occupation Forces (IOF). It is unclear what proportion of Australian military exports to the US ultimately end up in the hands of the IOF.

Liberal/National Coalition:

The Liberal/National Coalition has made no direct statements about its policy regarding the export of weapons to Israel. However, on 20 March 2025, Opposition leader Peter Dutton said that a Coalition government would “revitalise discussions on a free trade agreement with our trusted partner, Israel, building on a strong economic relationship and looking to harness Israel’s strengths in technology…”

Greens:

The Greens have explicitly and repeatedly called for a two-way arms embargo on Israel, and moved a motion calling for an end to military trade in March 2024.

Why it matters: It is critical that political representatives align themselves with the international legal consensus that has determined that Israel’s activities in the occupied Palestinian territory constitute racial segregation and apartheid.

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion, not only declaring Israel’s prolonged occupation of Palestinian territory illegal, but also determining that Israel’s policies and practices amounted to apartheid and racial segregation.

These finding have been reinforced by various human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, both of which have highlighted occupation as the central pillar of the apartheid system Israel imposes on Palestinians.

Labor:

The Labor Party has not made any statements about Israeli apartheid during the past year.

However, in 2022, then-shadow foreign affairs minister Penny Wong said, “Labor does not agree with the use of the term ‘apartheid’. It’s not a term that’s been found to apply by any international court and is not helpful in progressing meaningful dialogue and negotiation necessary to achieve a just and enduring peace.”

Liberal/National Coalition:

The Coalition has rejected evidence that Israel is committing apartheid, condemning allegations of apartheid as “anti-Israel” and an “attack on Israel.”

Greens:

The Australian Greens’ 2023 “Human rights and justice in Palestine and Israel” policy platform acknowledges that Israel is practising apartheid in Palestine.

This position has been reiterated many times during the past 16 months, including via a statement on 29 November 2023, calling for the Australian Government to act towards ending “the crime of apartheid currently being committed on the Palestinian population.”

Why this matters: In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing their roles in the genocide in Gaza.

As a signatory to the Rome Statute, Australia is legally obligated to cooperate with the ICC, which include executing arrest warrants for individuals accused of serious international crimes. Amnesty International Australia and the Australian Centre for International Justice have both emphasised that the Australian government must support the ICC’s procedures and fulfill its commitments under international law.

Labor:

The Labor Party has not explicitly stated it would enforce ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, should they travel to Australia.

On 25 November 2024, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, “What I can say to the chamber is that Australia will act consistently with our obligations under international law and our approach will be informed by international law, not by politics…We actually believe that adherence to international law is a matter of principle, and it is in Australia’s interests. We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court and its important role in upholding international law.”

Even when asked to be explicit about Labor’s position on the ICC arrest warrants during Senate Estimates in February 2025, the Foreign Minister refused to answer.

Liberal/National Coalition:

The Coalition has repeatedly stated that a Coalition government would not “ban former Israeli ministers from centrist governments from visiting Australia. Nor would we – and again I can’t believe this needs to be said – arrest the democratically elected head of a friendly government for the crime of defending his country. We will never abandon our ally in international forums like the United Nations.”

Greens:

On 21 May 2024, the Greens published a statement saying that “Australia must publicly support the ICC prosecutor’s bold decision to press for arrests. No one is above the law … What we do here matters. Labor cannot follow Joe Biden’s flagrant disregard for the independent court.”

Why it matters: Recognising the unconditional right of Palestinians to self-determination is fundamental, as it is a core principle of international law and a prerequisite for achieving last justice and peace for Palestine and the region. The UN General Assembly has consistently affirmed this right, notably in Resolution 3236 (1974) which emphasises “the inalienable rights of Palestinian people” to self-determination without external interference.

The International Court of Justice underscored the Palestinian right to self-determination in its advisory opinion in July 2024, concluding that Israel’s annexation, occupation and apartheid obstructed Palestinian people’s exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination.

As part of this advisory opinion, Judge Tladi directly refuted the claim that Palestinian self-determination must be balanced with Israeli security: “Security interests as such, no matter how serious or legitimate, cannot override rules of international law, a point made by the Court. Indeed, save where called for by a specific rule, security concerns cannot even serve as a balance against rules of international law and certainly not against peremptory norms. Thus, the notion that the Palestinian right of self-determination must be balanced with, or is even subject to, Israeli security concerns is incongruous as a matter of international law. In fact, such arguments are not only incongruous, they also are dangerous.” (Paragraph 44).

Labor: 

The Labor Party states that it supports Palestinian self-determination but conditions it on ensuring Israel’s security and the need for a reformed Palestinian government. This focus on governance and security sidelines the core issues of Palestinian rights and independence, framing resistance as “terrorism.” In the end, it prioritises Israel’s interests over the basic rights of Palestinians to live freely and independently.

Labor has also awarded $4 million in funding to health organisation Project Rozana – a political project designed to normalise Israeli apartheid, founded by a former leader of the Zionist Federation of Australia – undermining Palestinian-led institutions, sidelining Palestinian medical sovereignty, and legitimising the very regime responsible for systematically dismantling Palestinian healthcare, its economy and society.

Liberal:

The Coalition’s support for Palestinian self-determination is conditional, focusing on aligning with Israel’s “security concerns.” This stance limits Palestinian agency, framing self-determination within the constraints of negotiations that prioritise Israel’s interests over the genuine rights and sovereignty of Palestinians.

Greens:

The Greens’ Justice and Human Rights in Palestine and Israel policy platform, developed in 2023, states, “The state of Israel continues to deny the right of self-determination to Palestinians and continues to
dispossess them of their land. We aim to rectify this injustice in ways that will allow both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, security and equality, exercising self-determination as described by the United Nations Charter.”

Why it matters: Speaking out against anti-Palestinian racism demonstrates a commitment to equality and human dignity, and protects marginalised communities from discrimination, while support for anti-racism measures helps to foster inclusion, and the prioritisation of justice and fairness for all.

Championing freedom of speech is also crucial, as it allows for open discussions on human rights issues, enabling communities to hold their leaders accountable and engage with global affairs.

Labor:

The Labor Party has repeatedly condemned antisemitism, and installed special envoys for antisemitism and Islamophobia, but has failed to speak up about, or act to address, rising anti-Palestinian racism in Australia. In fact, the government has actively contributed to this racism, smearing Palestine liberation statements as “extremely violent statements that have no place on our streets,” weaponising the concept of “social cohesion” to demonise and silence Palestinians and their supporters, and whipping up a culture of fear and censorship.

Liberal/National Coalition:

The Liberal party has not spoken out against rising anti-Palestinian racism, and has regularly conflated advocacy for Palestine with antisemitism.

It has proposed a referendum on deporting dual citizens found to have committed “antisemitism offences” as well as the implementation of a a specific, sectarian citizenship test relating to antisemitism.

A complaint has been filed against Opposition leader Peter Dutton with the Australian Human Rights Commission, alleging that “as a national political leader” some of Dutton’s commentary has “created an environment of permissibility not only for hatred and racism directed at Palestinian-Australian, Arab-Australian and Muslim-Australian complainants but also other Australians who express solidarity with Palestinians, leading to many reports of feeling intimidated not to attend rallies in support of Palestinians and not to express support”.

The complaint lists numerous public comments by Dutton – some made at public events or in media interviews – which it alleges show racially discriminatory behaviour by:

• “justifying or otherwise failing to condemn violence against Palestinian civilians by Israel in likely breach of international humanitarian law”;
• “erasing the human rights and equal dignity and worth of Palestinians by denying crimes and atrocities committed against them”;
• “and conflating Palestinians as being terrorists or terrorist sympathisers”.

Greens:

In a recent letter to the Prime Minister, Greens deputy leader and anti-racism spokesperson Mehreen Faruqi called on the government to take action to combat rising “anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism.”

The Greens have repeatedly spoken up for freedom of speech, and opposed attempts to stifle criticism of Israel, particularly in academic spaces. Senator Faruqi is supporting the upcoming People’s Inquiry into Campus Free Speech on Palestine.

Why it matters: Condemning Israel’s atrocities by name – genocide, apartheid, illegal occupation – ensures accountability and reinforces international law. Explicitly naming these crimes, as done by the ICJ, ICC, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, also challenges the normalisation of Israel’s crimes, and supports Palestinians by validating their experiences and struggles.

Labor:

The Labor Party rejects the use of the words ‘genocide’ and ‘apartheid’ to describe Israel’s crimes and policies in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Liberal/National Coalition:

The Coalition has consistently and erroneously framed Israel’s war crimes as “self-defence” instead.

Greens:

During the past 18 months, the Greens have consistently named Israel’s war crimes of genocide and apartheid.