The Greens have called on the federal government to step up pressure on Israel to stop its strikes on Lebanon, arguing that Australia should respond to what they describe as a “disastrous, illegal, immoral war”.
The party wants the Albanese government to take direct action, including cancelling weapons contracts, in protest against the attacks. The call adds to growing political scrutiny over Australia’s position on the conflict and the role it should play in pushing for restraint.
On the same day, former prime minister Tony Abbott said Australia should send troops to fight alongside US forces in the Middle East. The remarks highlight the sharp divide in domestic debate over how Australia should respond to the worsening situation in the region.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese and foreign affairs minister Penny Wong have said southern Lebanon should be included in a fledgling ceasefire agreement that has been negotiated between the US and Iran in recent days. Their position suggests the government is seeking to ensure the ceasefire covers more than one part of the wider conflict.
The Greens’ intervention comes amid continued concern over the impact of the strikes on Lebanon and the broader risk of escalation. By calling for sanctions-style pressure through the cancellation of weapons contracts, the party is pressing the government to take a more forceful stance than diplomatic appeals alone.
The issue is likely to remain sensitive as Australia balances its alliances, foreign policy settings and public calls for a stronger response to the violence. With the ceasefire talks still emerging, the question of whether southern Lebanon is included may become a key test of how effective any agreement can be in reducing conflict.
The debate also reflects a wider disagreement about Australia’s role in the Middle East. While the Greens are urging the government to oppose the attacks more directly, Abbott’s comments point in the opposite direction, advocating military involvement alongside the United States.
As the situation develops, attention will remain on whether the federal government adjusts its approach and whether pressure from political opponents influences its response to Israel’s campaign in Lebanon.
