Anti-Israel group demands ex-IDF soldier stop fighting for the cause

Deeply divided anti-Israel groups are brawling over a former IDF soldier who critics want to stand down from the pro-Palestinian lobby.

Palestinian men join Aboriginal people during an Australia Day protest in Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

An ex-Israeli soldier turned pro-Palestinian activist should stand down from any role promoting the Gaza cause while locals debate his involvement in the campaign, an anti-Israel group says.

Block the Dock Melbourne, which targets Jewish shipping interests, has demanded the soldier stop representing the Palestinian cause and remove himself from any strategic role in the debate.

The group has removed a ­social media post slamming the former soldier and questioning Free Palestine Melbourne, which is one of the main lobby groups in the local fight over the Middle-East conflict.

Block the Dock also has claimed that too many white ­people are involved in the campaigning and that more power should be handed back to the ­Palestinian community.

The rift is highly embarrassing for the pro-Palestinian lobby, which has tried to maintain a united front until this damaging split revealed by The Australian.

There has been strong support on social media for limiting the role of any ex-Israel Defence Forces personnel in the campaign, ­although Block the Dock has acknowledged the man in question has worked hard for the cause.

“The issue is now being discussed by the Palestinian community,’’ a Block the Dock statement says.

“To strengthen unity, security and safety for my people, I have agreed that these discussions can be held privately amongst members of the Palestinian community that is resisting the genocide perpetrated by the state of Israel.

“In the meantime, I have ­requested that the ex-IDF soldier in question refrain from representing our community and voluntarily remove himself from any strategic position where a conflict of interest can be received.’’

Block the Dock acknowledged his courage and enthusiasm for the Palestinian cause but was not convinced about his role.

“I ask him to extend his generosity by agreeing to my requests until our people can agree on our terms on how we include recanting IDF combatants into our struggle so that they can make the best contribution possible.”

Block the Dock Melbourne has attacked Free Palestine Melbourne, claiming the umbrella campaigning group has been overrun by white ­people who do not speak for the people directly affected by the Gaza conflict.

Block the Dock declared publicly it was opposed to the lack of Palestinian people involved in FPM’s campaigning and against using the unnamed former ­Israeli soldier to promote their cause on ­behalf of those opposed to the Jewish state.

The original social media post read: “What an embarrassment to the Palestinian community. “We don’t need Palestinian killers in our community.’’

“90% of FPM is run by white people. White people do not speak for all Palestinians.’’

The Australian has sought comment from FPM, Block the Dock and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network.

Block the Dock is a radical left-wing group that has been camped at the Melbourne port, an engine room of the national economy, to try to disrupt Israeli-owned boats.

Israel’s ZIM is a global shipping line that activists accuse of helping the pro-Israel military cause. ZIM cargo containers are visible at Melbourne’s Webb Dock.

Anti-Israel campaigning is largely confined to the radical left in Melbourne although there has been support from some unions, educators and young people.

The marches through the centre of Melbourne have been largely peaceful affairs but with little to no strident criticism of the role of Hamas in the post-October 7 chaos.