NZDF RIMPAC Exercises With Israel Criticised
New Zealand’s participation in military exercises alongside Israel is triggering fierce criticism from Palestine solidarity advocates, who argue the Government cannot claim to support human rights and international law while simultaneously deepening military cooperation with states accused of grave abuses in Gaza.
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses deep concern regarding reports that the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will participate in the upcoming Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercises alongside Israel and the United States.
At a time when the world is witnessing the ongoing devastation in Gaza and growing international condemnation of Israel’s actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, New Zealand must not be seen aligning itself militarily with a state facing serious allegations of war crimes and genocide before international legal institutions.
Critics say New Zealand’s foreign policy is contradicting itself
New Zealand has long claimed to uphold international law, human rights, and an independent foreign policy. Participating in joint military exercises alongside Israel fundamentally contradicts those values and risks damaging New Zealand’s international reputation.
There should be no military cooperation with states engaged in ongoing conflicts and facing credible allegations of violations of international humanitarian law.
Pressure grows for New Zealand to rethink military cooperation
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on the Government of New Zealand to immediately review New Zealand’s participation in these exercises and ensure the country does not become complicit directly or indirectly in legitimising violence, occupation, or collective punishment.
New Zealanders expect their country to stand on the side of justice, peace, and international accountability, not military cooperation with governments accused of grave human rights abuses.
