Labor Backbencher Husic Intensifies Calls for Israel Sanctions Despite PM Resistance

Credit: Ed Husic FB page

Labor backbencher Ed Husic escalated his campaign for targeted sanctions against Israeli officials Thursday, drawing backing from former Foreign Minister Gareth Evans while facing suggestions he may need to split from the party over the divisive issue.

Husic, who moved to the backbench in this week's Cabinet reshuffle, used an appearance on ABC's Afternoon Briefing to advocate for sanctions targeting "individuals who have been directing the operations in Gaza" and "violating international humanitarian law," including members of the Netanyahu government and Israeli Defence Force.

The push comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appeared to dismiss calls for sanctions during a Brisbane press conference Thursday, questioning what specific measures advocates want implemented.

"What people don't say when they put forward ideas like this is what that means," Albanese said. "We currently have, for example, unlike some of those countries, we don't provide military assets to Israel or to that region."

When pressed on whether Israel would cease operations without sanctions, Albanese challenged reporters: "Well, what are the sanctions you're suggesting? I'm not sure. Exactly. That's the point."

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