Israel's ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, has indicated that his country is open to providing reparations to the family of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, following the Israeli Defence Forces' (IDF) decision to clear soldiers of criminal liability for their role in the April 2024 strike that killed her and six others in Gaza. The revelation came amid heightened tensions between Australia and Israel, with the Australian government expressing outrage over the findings and demanding greater accountability. The IDF concluded that while there were "serious failures" in the strike, there was "no reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct" that warranted prosecution. This determination followed a review of 150 cases of troop conduct in Gaza, including the April 2024 incident. Despite acknowledging past mistakes, the IDF stated it would not pursue criminal proceedings against the soldiers involved. The decision was announced on World Humanitarian Day, prompting sharp criticism from both the Australian government and the Frankcom family. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the IDF's findings as an "outrage" and emphasized the need for a "far more transparent and clear explanation" from Israel. He reiterated that the Australian government would continue pressing for justice, stating, "Zomi and her colleagues deserve more than an internal, opaque process." His remarks echoed those of Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who condemned the timing of the announcement as "insulting" and stressed that the decision fell "far short of the accountability we expect." The Frankcom family expressed deep disappointment, calling the IDF's decision an "insult to my sister's memory." Mal Frankcom, Zomi's brother, criticized the lack of transparency and the absence of an independent judicial review. He urged the Australian government to "pursue all available legal avenues for an independent and credible investigation" and to push for the release of video and audio evidence related to the strike. The family has long advocated for a thorough inquiry into the incident, which they argue violated international humanitarian law. The Australian government's stance has grown more confrontational in recent months. After initially supporting Israel's actions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Australia has taken a firmer position, imposing sanctions on Israeli officials and recognizing a Palestinian state. The relationship between the two nations has deteriorated significantly, with some analysts suggesting it represents the lowest point in decades. Ian Parmeter, a researcher at the Australian National University, noted that public sentiment toward Israel has shifted dramatically due to the extensive coverage of civilian casualties in Gaza. The Israeli ambassador, Hillel Newman, faced a formal meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong at Parliament House on Thursday. During the session, Newman maintained that the decision to clear the soldiers was based on the IDF's internal processes and that reparations would be determined through legal channels. He acknowledged that the timing of the announcement was problematic but insisted that the findings were the result of ongoing pressures within the Israeli government. Newman also hinted that Israel might invite Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, the Australian investigator who previously found serious procedural failures, back for further discussions. Despite the controversy, the IDF has stated that it will not reopen the case, citing the lack of sufficient grounds for criminal action. However, the Australian government remains resolute in its demands for transparency and accountability. Prime Minister Albanese has vowed to consult with the Frankcom family before making any further announcements, underscoring the importance of keeping them informed throughout the process. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on whether Israel will ultimately provide the clarity and redress that the Australian government and the Frankcom family seek.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Australia
