Labor has dismissed former prime minister Tony Abbott’s calls for Australia to join the war, as the country’s political debate continues against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Abbott argued that Australia should support its allies more directly, asking: “What is the point of having armed forces if they’re not to be used to support our allies in a just cause.”
The comments formed part of a broader live political news day that also included the reported death of Queensland MP Jimmy Sullivan. The development added a sombre note to an already fast-moving news cycle.
IMF warns of lasting global damage
Elsewhere, the head of the International Monetary Fund said the Iran war would leave a lasting mark on the global economy, even if a durable peace agreement in the Middle East is eventually reached.
The IMF chief said that even the most hopeful outlook now includes a growth downgrade. “Even in a best case, there will be no neat and clean return to the status quo,” the warning said.
The remarks underline the economic uncertainty created by the conflict, with officials and analysts alike watching for knock-on effects across energy markets, trade and broader international stability.
Calls for stronger action on Israeli arms contracts
The live discussion also included criticism of Australia’s current approach to Israel and the conflict in Lebanon. One statement argued that earlier comments by Penny Wong, whether describing the situation as “concerned” or “gravely concerned,” had not produced any meaningful change.
The same commentary called for the cancellation of more than a billion dollars in Israeli arms contracts. It said such a move would answer the moral concerns raised by what it described as “appalling Israeli military attacks” and would also place “very real material pressure” on Israel to pull back from what it called a disastrous, illegal and immoral war in Lebanon.
It was argued that Australia should not be buying weapons tested by Israeli defence manufacturers in conflicts such as Gaza and Lebanon, and should not be contributing weapons parts.
According to the statement, ending those contracts would send a clear message that continued military action carries a direct cost. The comments also framed the issue as one of global peace, saying the war threatens wider stability beyond the immediate region.
Political debate continues
The day’s reporting reflected a broader political divide over how Australia should respond to the conflict. Abbott’s remarks pressed the case for stronger military support for allies, while Labor’s response indicated resistance to any such escalation.
At the same time, the controversy over arms contracts and the IMF’s warning about the global economic impact of the war show how the conflict is shaping both foreign policy and economic debate in Australia and beyond.
As the situation develops, attention remains fixed on the political consequences at home, the humanitarian stakes abroad and the wider risk to international stability.
