Australia has decided to reconsider its defense industry cooperation with Israel amid the escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip. The country’s Ministry of Defense is currently carrying out a comprehensive review of 66 existing defense export permits previously issued to Israel. A defense spokesperson confirmed that each case is assessed individually to ensure compliance with Australia’s international obligations, including human rights.
Australia has not supplied arms or ammunition to Israel since the start of the Gaza conflict or for the past five years, maintaining a strict approach to exports, officials said. The Ministry of Defense highlighted that Australia is not a major arms exporter to Israel, but continues to supply dual-use goods, including computer equipment, software and electronic components.
The parts supplied to the global production chain of the F-35 fighter jets that Israel used in the Gaza Strip have attracted attention. Australia has issued some 247 Israel-related export permits since 2019, of which 66 remain active. A special commission is currently reviewing each permit, examining export criteria and consulting with companies involved in supply.
No decision has been made so far to cancel the issued permits, but the government plans to make decisions in a package once the inspection is completed. The department clarified that permission will be denied if it is determined that the export may violate Australia’s national interests or lead to a violation of human rights.
The situation in Australia is reminiscent of the United Kingdom’s recent decision to suspend 30 of 350 weapons licenses to Israel. In September, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said supplies would be temporarily suspended due to the risk of potential breaches of international humanitarian law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted harshly to the actions of Western countries and called the decision “shameful.” He said attempts to restrict arms supplies would not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas, which carried out a brutal attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 people, including 14 Britons. Netanyahu stressed that Israel will continue to fight Hamas, regardless of external support, and intends to ensure security in the region.
