Australians in the IDF and the War Crimes Questions We Can’t Ignore
- Gregory Andrews
- May 24
- 3 min read
Some disturbing questions are beginning to emerge in Australia. Ones that our political leaders, media and law enforcement agencies aren't talking about and seem deeply uncomfortable confronting. How many Australians are serving in the Israeli Defence Force in Gaza and what are they doing? And with credible evidence of abuse and war crimes continuing to mount, what responsibilities does Australia have for investigating our own citizens? These questions stopped being abstract for me this week.
I've watched the footage and read direct testimony from Australian citizens among the international flotilla participants who were intercepted by the IDF in international waters while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. They were beaten, zip-tied, threatened, sexually humiliated, deprived of sleep and held in degrading conditions. Israel's Minister for National Security even proudly shared footage of some of this violence via his own social media.
And here's the part that should stop Australians in their tracks: If Australians are serving in the IDF, then they could very likely have been perpetrating violence against other Australians. Not just against Palestinians in Gaza. Not just against Lebanese civilians. But against Australian citizens too. And they could also be bring their extremist indoctrination back here. These possibilities alone should trigger enormous public scrutiny.
Investigative reporting by Michael West Media and others suggests the number of Australians serving with the IDF could be far larger than most people realise. One DFAT-linked estimate suggests around 100 Australians are serving in the IDF at any given time. Israeli government statistics put the number higher, at close to 240. Other reporting cites estimates as high as 1,000, though that figure remains unverified.
Compare what's happening in Israel and Gaza with how Australia treats citizens who travelled to fight with ISIS. Those Australians have been investigated, prosecuted, publicly condemned and treated - rightly - as potential national security threats. But Australians serving with the military of an allied state that's under investigation by international courts for genocide? Near-total silence! Why?
If international law means anything, it must apply consistently. And let's be honest, Australia has mechanisms for investigating serious international crimes. The AFP has investigated other Aussies over alleged war crimes they’ve committed overseas. Ben Roberts-Smith was investigated, arrested and has now been charged over alleged conduct in Afghanistan.
So why does even asking questions about Australians serving in the IDF in Gaza or Lebanon suddenly become taboo? This issue isn't hypothetical. And it's certainly not antisemitic! We're now seeing video footage of Australian citizens captured in international waters, detained and abused by Israeli forces after flotilla interceptions in international waters. There's growing international outrage over footage of detainees kneeling with bound hands while being mocked online by the IDF and Israeli ministers.
And we are seeing efforts from the non-government sector urging the AFP to investigate.
None of this means Australians serving in the IDF are guilty of crimes. Courts determine guilt - not blogs, governments or social media. But democratic societies are supposed to investigate and ask the difficult questions before impunity is normalised.
Because if Australians can participate in one of the most heavily criticised military campaigns in modern history without even public discussion, then what exactly are our standards anymore? If international law only applies to our so-called enemies and not our allies and our own citizens, then it is not really international law at all.
It's selective morality. And selective morality eventually destroys the credibility of the entire system.
I made this video for TikTok and Instagram and am sharing here. Please share it on your networks if you feel the same way I do.👇🏽
Zack Shofield was one of the Australians kidnapped in international waters and taken prisoner by the IDF. Zack tells of fellow Australians being bound by zip ties and forced to kneel for hours, being beaten, denied water for 2 days, denied food for days, electrically shocked by tazers, provoked and humilliated. Here is Zack on Instagram being interviewed after his ordeal: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYm9156ukza/
Zack's message to PM Albanese urges for Australia to cut ties with Israel.
Here is a petition for us all to send the PM this message, loud and clear:
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/condemn-sanction-arms-embargo/
And this one: Calling on the Australian Government to stop funding Israel through the Future Fund: https://apan.org.au/nakba-is-now-take-action/
Thank you Gregory. Your posts are always thought provoking. Who do we get in contact with about this? How do we make our voices heard? Why is it even legal for Australians to serve and fight in the IDF? It's an absolute disgrace. Our government is weak as piss on this subject. And I'm tired of being labelled antisemitic because I don't agree with genocide. And I agree with you, the ISIS brides and their kids are being punished. Personally, I don't think any Australian fighting for the IDF should be allowed back into Australia - ever. The mere fact they're even there speaks volumes. Are they Israelis or Australian?
Thanks Gregory for reminding us about the risk of selective morality which destroys trust in international law and our own Govt. That’s why these questions around Australians serving in the IDF matter far beyond Gaza.
Another excellent article, thank you Gregory. I love your fact based logical and humane perspectives on some of the many difficult conversations our society desperately needs to have regarding our future and our democracy. All power to your pen, hoping you shine on brightly for a long time.
I am bewildered by the appalling cruelty, the IDF and Israel openly and proudly enjoy imposing on innocent people. I am horrified that our government appears to actively support Israel by ignoring and suppressing criticism of these heinous crimes against human beings.