Wrist-slapping unlikely to halt Israeli military sales to Australia

So why does this matter?

You cannot expect to induce a change in attitude, let alone behaviour, if your words are inconsistent with your actions. The same is also true if any actions you might take can be interpreted by the target as being so tepid and short-term that they are purely tokenistic. This issue of consistency and proportionality is well-understood by good parents. Of course, I don't mean to suggest that Israel's behaviour can be understood simply by casting it as a recalcitrant child. Although reacting as it did to the recent UN vote on Palestine does nothing to dispel this image.

I am tempted to conclude that the Australian government doesn't feel strongly enough about justice for Palestine as to jeopardise business relationships, especially in the area of defence. Either the case against Israel is not convincing enough, or blind loyalty to the USA is too important to risk making any waves.

I wonder whether the political philosophy of the Israeli defence industry is, "slap my wrist if you want, and I'll offer the other one next time."