ECAJ condemns Husic’s sanctions call

Australia’s peak Jewish body has launched a blistering attack on former federal minister Ed Husic, condemning his call for sanctions on Israel and a diplomatic rebuke of its ambassador over the Gaza conflict.

The criticism, led by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), marks a deepening fault line in Australia’s response to the Israel-Hamas war.

Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the ECAJ, denounced Husic’s push for diplomatic action as simplistic and one-sided. “It’s easy to talk about sanctioning Israel and hauling in the ambassador,” Ryvchin said. “What is difficult is offering constructive alternatives that would see Hamas disarmed and defeated so that the people of Gaza and Israel can be free of its terror and despotism.”

He further criticized Husic’s long-standing opposition to Israel’s military strategy. “Mr Husic has sharply and consistently criticised Israel’s military response to the October 7 atrocities, even in the opening months of the war when over 100 trucks full of aid were entering the war zone each day,” Ryvchin said, accusing the former minister of ignoring the role of Hamas in misappropriating aid and perpetuating civilian suffering.

In a radio interview on Sydney Radio station 2SM, Ryvchin reinforced his position, stating, “Israel is fighting a legitimate war against a terrorist force that invaded its territory. If we reward terrorism with political victories, the whole world becomes more dangerous.”

Husic, the first Muslim to serve in a federal cabinet, reignited the controversy this week by calling on the Albanese government to move beyond words, suggesting sanctions and calling in the Israeli ambassador if humanitarian aid blockades continued. His remarks came as pressure mounts on Canberra to align with potential moves by allies like Canada, the UK and France.
In response, Husic defended his record. “I have consistently called for the release of hostages and for Hamas to be held to account for its horrific actions,” he told the ABC. “I’ve also called for us to acknowledge the humanity of both sides and do what is needed to protect innocent life”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appeared to lend some weight to Husic’s concerns, saying on Monday it was outrageous that food and medical aid into Gaza had been blocked by Israeli forces. The statement was viewed as the government’s strongest rebuke yet of Israeli conduct.

The backdrop to the political clash is a fresh escalation in Gaza. Local rescue officials reported that 52 Palestinians were killed on Monday in new Israeli military strikes, further fuelling global criticism over the humanitarian toll of the conflict.

Although Husic was ousted from cabinet in a post-election reshuffle, his voice remains influential within Labor’s progressive wing. His stance is amplifying calls for a stronger humanitarian focus in Australia’s Middle East policy, even as it sparks backlash from Jewish leaders and conservative commentators.