Bandt challenges Labor to sanction Benjamin Netanyahu’s ‘extreme war cabinet’
The Greens leader has called on the Albanese government to pressure Israel over the Gaza conflict, telling pro-Palestine supporters that Labor is attempting to slander them.
Greens leader Adam Bandt has challenged Anthony Albanese to punish Israel’s “extreme war cabinet” and told the pro-Palestine camp that the federal government is attempting to slander them.
After coming under fire from Labor and the opposition, and threatening to sue Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, Mr Bandt took to the stage at a Free Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday to demand Benjamin Netanyahu’s government be slapped with sanctions, the Israeli ambassador be expelled, and a contract with weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems be cut.
He also called on the Prime Minister to join South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Criminal Court, and ensure F-35 fighter jet parts were not used “in acts of aggression”.
“Our government could have recognised Palestine, our government could … in the last 35 weeks, have put sanctions on this extreme war cabinet of Benjamin Netanyahu that is now subject to court orders to stop genocide,” Mr Bandt told the hundreds of activists.
“If you (the Albanese government) think there’s been some misrepresentation of your position … then turn up next week at a press conference and announce that the government will recognise Palestine.”
Mr Bandt said until Labor met their demands, people would continue to “peacefully and powerfully” hold them to account. His comments came after Mr Albanese on Wednesday took aim at pro-Palestine supporters targeting the electorate offices of MPs, and claimed the demonstrators had been whipped up by the Greens who had “consciously and deliberately” spread misinformation about the government’s position on the Middle East war.
“The other strategy that (the government) are deploying at the moment is to slander all of you, and say that not only are you misinformed but that somehow what you’re doing is wrong …,” Mr Bandt told the rally.
“We all know there is no place for violence against people, against politicians, against the people who work for them or against their offices. We all know that. What we’re pushing for is peace.”
On the rescue of four Israelis from Gaza, Mr Bandt told The Australian that all hostages should be freed.
“All political prisoners should be released, and I hope the government will also make comment on the reported 100-200 Palestinians who have been killed over this period as well,” he said. “We need an immediate ceasefire; our government still continues to put conditions on its call for a ceasefire. The Labor government needs to put pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu’s extreme war cabinet otherwise this horror will continue.”
The rally MC introduced Mr Bandt by speaking of the “ludicrous claims” against the progressive minor party “by our Prime Minister crybaby Albanese” and “fascist Dutton”.
“It is these cronies that are actually spreading misinformation. It is the so-called members of Labor and Liberal parties that are the evil ones,” she said.
The demonstration took an ugly turn as protesters marched, with Victoria Police claiming officers were confronted with “hostile and disgusting behaviour”, forcing them to use pepper spray.
“The group was extremely hostile and turned violent, throwing bottles and signs at police,” a spokeswoman said. “OC spray was subsequently deployed and the group dispersed.”
She said an officer was spat on and two police vehicles damaged.
“While no arrests were made at the scene, investigators will be reviewing footage to identify offenders,” the spokeswoman said.
“Officers issued three infringement notices for illegally parked vehicles in the vicinity of the demonstration, while one person was fined for climbing on top of a tram stop and another for bill-posting.
“While we support the right to protest peacefully, but we will not tolerate the kind of vulgar behaviour our officers were confronted with.”
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said there were “tears of joy” in Jewish households at the news that the Israeli hostages had been rescued.
“I don’t view it as a trade, I view it as a tragedy,” he said.
“It’s a tragedy entirely from Hamas’s choosing.
“No doubt civilian casualties will occur. They’re a tragedy.
“But this is the war that we’re in. This is the situation that Hamas has chosen.”
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