Greens accuse Labor of weakness after IDF officer says he would repeat strike that killed Zomi Frankcom

Greens defence spokesman David Shoebridge said remarks by former Israel Defense Forces reserve colonel Nochi Mendel were 'reprehensible' and accused the government of treating 'words as distractions' rather than taking concrete action.

Mendel, who ordered the attack on a World Central Kitchen humanitarian convoy in Gaza, told a media outlet he would do 'exactly the same thing' again and that those killed — Frankcom and six of her colleagues — were 'not innocent'. The seven aid workers were bringing food to the people of Gaza when they were killed in 2024.

Shoebridge argued that the Labor government's response, limited to verbal condemnation, fell short of the measures needed, including stopping military exports to Israel and imposing additional sanctions.

The government has not announced any change to its export or sanctions policy in response to Mendel's comments.

Why This Matters

The killing of an Australian aid worker and the subsequent public comments by the officer responsible raise questions about accountability and Australia's response to civilian deaths in conflict zones.
The Greens' criticism puts pressure on the Albanese government to move beyond diplomatic statements and consider stronger measures such as export controls or sanctions.
The issue touches on broader public concern about Australia's stance on the Gaza conflict and its relationship with Israel.

Background

Zomi Frankcom, an Australian aid worker, was among seven staff of the World Central Kitchen killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza in April 2024. The IDF conducted an internal investigation that cleared military personnel involved, a decision that drew international criticism. In September 2026, former IDF reserve colonel Nochi Mendel, who ordered the strike, stated he would repeat the attack and claimed those killed were not innocent.

Key Perspectives

Greens (David Shoebridge): The government's verbal condemnation is insufficient. Australia should halt military exports to Israel and impose new sanctions to demonstrate that the killing of an Australian civilian has real consequences. Albanese government: Has not announced any policy changes following Mendel's comments, indicating a preference for diplomatic engagement over punitive measures. Critics/Skeptics: Some may argue that targeting individual officers for public statements risks politicising a complex military investigation, and that export controls could harm bilateral relations without changing IDF conduct.

What to Watch

Whether the government issues any formal statement beyond media responses to the Greens' criticism.
Potential parliamentary debate or motions on military exports to Israel.
Any indication from the government of a review of defence trade with Israel following the Frankcom case.

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