Australia signed a $19.8 million contract with Israeli arms company Elbit Systems on 1 September, two weeks before a UN commission of inquiry found Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. The contract, for 'countermeasure munitions' used in the 'iron fist' protection system on infantry vehicles, was not published on the government's contract database until last week.
Human rights experts have condemned the deal as 'morally questionable' and reflective of a 'troubling acceptance' of Israel's conduct in Gaza. Chris Sidoti, a member of the UN commission of inquiry and former Australian human rights commissioner, said Elbit is a key enabler of the Israel Defense Forces in its commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide against Palestinians.
Professor Donald Rothwell, an expert in international law at the Australian National University, said Israeli defence companies like Elbit are 'directly implicated in Israel’s alleged acts of genocide in Gaza'. He argued that while Australia may be legally permitted to buy arms from Israel, the trade remains 'morally questionable' as it supports the Israeli military industrial complex.
The Australian defence department defended the contract, stating the munitions are only produced by Elbit Systems and are necessary to protect soldiers. A defence spokesperson said Australia is not supplying weapons to Israel. However, critics argue the deal violates Australia's obligations under the genocide convention to prevent genocide and not to aid or assist unlawful activities.
Lara Khider, acting executive director of the Australian Centre for International Justice, said the contract is a 'clear violation' of Australia's obligations. Dr Juliette McIntyre from the University of South Australia added that trading arms with a state accused of war crimes erodes the credibility of the rules-based international order.
