Australian current and former politicians react to Israel-Iran escalation
Australian political figures have spoken out on the escalating conflict in The Middle East, as Tehran and Tel Aviv continue to trade blows.
In a doorstop interview on Saturday morning Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles added to Foreign Minister Penny Wong's previous remarks that Australia was 'alarmed' by the escalation between Israel and Iran.
'The Government is deeply concerned about events which are unfolding in the Middle East, and specifically we are concerned about the risks of escalation,' Mr Marles said.
'We well understand the threat that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents.
'That program is a threat to international peace and security. But because of this, we are calling on all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.
'We specifically call on Iran to exercise restraint in their actions so as not to risk any broader conflict.'
In a joint statement Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said that the 'targeting' of Israeli population centres by Iran was 'deeply troubling'.
'The Iranian regime's ability to acquire nuclear weapons poses a serious and direct threat to world peace and stability, especially as it continues to engage in terrorism by supporting its proxies: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen,' the joint Ley-Cash statement read.
'Whilst we continue to urge caution, Israel has a right to defend itself. Israel is exercising its sovereign right to defend its people and ensure the security of future generations. The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iran.
'We express our strong support for our wonderful Jewish community in Australia, as well as our deepest sympathies for Iranian Australians, many of whom have fled the extremist Iranian regime for a life of freedom and opportunity in Australia.'
Former foreign minister Alexander Downer added his voice, telling 2GB that Israel would be willing to use any measure.
'Iran are capable of a significant response, it's whether they're willing to go there, and then risk the retaliation, which may be more than just from Israel,' Mr Downer said.
'The Israelis have made it clear that if Iran were ever to get a nuclear weapon, that would be an existential threat to Israel
'They're going to stop it, no matter what.'
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