Australia's part in Israel's weapons supply chain
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."
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