Australia's part in Israel's weapons supply chain

Where do the arms involved in conflicts worldwide come from and who bears responsibility for how they are used in war?

The US is by far the world's largest weapons manufacturer and exporter, accounting for around 40% of global exports. 

Many of these arms go to Israel and transfers have been supercharged since the start of the military assault on Gaza. 

Australia is also a player in the global arms trade, with a particular manufacturing role in the F-35 joint strike fighter program. 

With the Australian government taking a strong line on the humanitarian situation, why are we simultaneously transferring component parts for military jets that are striking Gaza?

Guest: Josh Paul, former Director of Congressional and Public Affairs, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, in the US Department of State who resigned in protest at US arms shipments to Israel 

Statement from the Australian Department of Defence:

"Australia has not supplied weapons or ammunition to Israel since the Israel-Gaza conflict began and not for at least the past five years.

The F-35 relies on a global supply chain – one that is centrally coordinated by Lockheed Martin and the US Government.

As a part of the global F-35 supply chain, Australian industry contributes components and parts, but the Australian Government does not have a direct bilateral arrangement with the Government of Israel in relation to the F-35 program."

Recommendations:

Geraldine: VJ Day in Australia newsreel, British Movietone

Hamish: 'The World Since October 7', Adam Shatz in the London Review of Books

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