The Australian Greens are calling upon the government to join France and the United States by taking actions against two key far-right members of the Israeli government, in a bid to pressure Benjamin Netanyahu away from further worsening the humanitarian situation for Palestinians.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Israeli Minister for National Security, and Bezalel Smotrich, the Minister for Finance, are far-right figures who have in recent months been the subject of escalating international criticism for their role in increasing violence against Palestinians.
Ben-Gvir has been convicted for terrorism and incitement related charges against Palestinians, and Smotrich has pledged to “wipe” Palestinian villages “off the map”. As a result of their aggressive anti-Palestinian actions, the pair have faced actions and strong public criticism by France, the EU, and the United States. The US State Department strongly considered refusing a visa to Smotrich, and issued a strong condemnation of Ben-Gvir. The EU has also cancelled diplomatic events over Ben-Gvir’s by attendance. Mainstream Jewish organisations have refused to meet with the pair.
This call by the Greens is underpinned by the Party’s position on upholding Justice and Human Rights in Palestine and Israel, updated across this weekend’s National Conference, reflecting months of worsening oppression against Palestinians by the Israeli government.
Developed by the party in collaboration with stakeholders, the Greens’ position upholds the right of Palestinians and Israelis to peace, security and equality and to exercise self-determination as described in the UN Charter, while recognising that Israel’s ongoing colonisation of Palestinian land is rendering a two-state solution unachievable. It also reaffirms the need for action on antisemitism and Islamophobia, while also permitting the criticism of the actions of the Israeli government. The shift does not endorse the official ‘Boycott Divestment Sanctions’ movement but does back the use of targeted boycotts, divestments and sanctions that are human-rights aligned, such as the call made by Mr Bandt and Senator Steele-John today.
Media statement from The Australian Greens.