Cut ties with Israel Aerospace Industries

The NSW government is co-hosting a massive international defence trade festival, the International Aeronautical Congress, from 29 September to 3 October, sponsored by companies including weapons manufacturers Lockheed Martin and BAE systems.

Exhibitors at the festival include Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), one of Israel’s top arms-producing and military service companies. IAI is a state-owned weapons company that profits directly from the Gaza genocide.

Earlier this year the Israel Trade and Economic Commission confirmed plans for an Israeli Pavilion at the event, with the goal to “promote, enhance and facilitate trade, investment, and industrial RnD cooperation, between Australasia and Israel”.

Last year Israeli firms were barred from a similar international defense exhibition in Paris. And a few weeks ago the British government blocked the Israeli government delegation from the British Defence Exhibition & Trade Show over Gaza.

This type of response is particularly critical given just days ago an independent investigation by a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, UN Commissioner Chris Sidoti listed several actions Australia can take to fulfil its obligation to prevent genocide, topmost among them to “Cease all trade between Australia and Israel, not only in actual weapons but in all products, components and technology”.

Prime Minister Albanese has previously called on Israel to "comply immediately with its obligations under international law" and recently announced Australia would recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly, but the Australian government has refused to apply sanctions against Israel.

Join us at the ICC on 1st October to demand Australia sanction Israel and cut all ties with Israel Aerospace Industries.

Image: Davidi Vardi Pikiwiki Israel, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

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