NZDF plans upcoming training with Israel and US – Peace Action Wellington

The NZDF is planning upcoming naval training alongside the Israeli
Defence Force as part of the US-led Rim of the Pacific exercises
(RIMPAC). The Rim of the Pacific Exercise is the world’s largest
international maritime warfare exercise. It is held biennially during
June and July around Honolulu, Hawaii.

“The NZDF is sending the largest contingent of troops and materiel in a
decade to the this year’s RIMPAC including three ships and 328 service
personnel. This is while Israel continues its genocide in the Occupied
Palestinian Territories, and the US and Israel wage an illegal war on
Iran,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“The US and Israel are the greatest threat to global peace and security.
Both are involved in major war crimes and crimes against humanity. This
situation should be a serious legal concern for the NZDF.”

“It is impossible to square the NZ Government’s claims of care for
international law with these plans for combat training with the US and
Israel.”

“Prime Minister Luxon and new Minister of Defence Penk know that the
global security situation is dangerous. Yet they continue to contribute
to making that situation worse by failing to object to the wars and
genocide these countries are committing, and instead sign up to help
with the job.”