Live: Wong 'outraged' after IDF soldiers cleared over Zomi Frankcom killing

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed her outrage after Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) cleared soldiers of criminal actions in the death of Zomi Frankcom, an Australian aid worker killed in April 2024. The Israeli investigation sided with the soldiers, dismissing their involvement as criminal wrongdoing. Frankcom's family, however, remains deeply disappointed with the IDF's findings, rejecting the decision as inaccurate.

Foreign Minister Wong conveyed Australia's strong disapproval to the Israeli ambassador, expressing a shared sense of outrage among Australians. The timing of the IDF's report, released on World Humanitarian Day, was seen as particularly disrespectful, further fueling the anger among the public and politicians alike.

Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite vowed that the Australian government would continue to push the Israeli government for answers. However, he also emphasized the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship with Israel, rather than resorting to extreme actions such as expelling the Israeli ambassador.

Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi highlighted the anger felt by Australians over the IDF's decision, stating that the government should have demanded greater accountability earlier in the process. The family of Zomi Frankcom also called for an independent investigation, insisting that the Israeli military's report was not accurate.