Israeli ambassador suggests former defence chief Binskin return to Israel to pursue Frankcom decision
The suggestion follows the Israeli Defense Force’s decision not to launch a criminal investigation into the death of aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza.
Israeli Ambassador Hillel Newman has proposed that former Australian defence chief Mark Binskin return to Israel to investigate the attack that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in 2024. The Albanese government has expressed anger over the Israeli military prosecutor's ruling that there was "no reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct" and thus no criminal investigation would be launched.
Binskin had previously conducted a report for the Australian government on the incident, but he was not given full access to the information. Three attacks on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza killed seven people from several countries. Foreign Minister Penny Wong called in Newman to express Australia's dissatisfaction with the ruling.
The announcement of the decision came shortly after Wong and Frankcom's family had launched an award in her name on World Humanitarian Day. The Australian government is still considering possible options, including sanctions or using legal processes within the Israeli system, but it is not clear what could realistically change the situation.
Netanyahu's government is set to hold an election soon and is unlikely to be swayed. Other countries affected by the attack, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Poland, have also suffered casualties. Newman has suggested that Binskin could have access to the people who made the decision, and the government is open to discussions on the legal aspect and reparations.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
