Israeli ambassador suggests former defence chief Binskin return to Israel to pursue Frankcom decision

Israeli ambassador Hillel Newman has suggested Australia sends former defence chief Mark Binskin back to Israel to follow up its defence force’s refusal to further investigate the fatal attack on Australian Zomi Frankcom and other aid workers in 2024.

The Albanese government has reacted furiously to the Israeli chief military prosecutor’s ruling, after an internal probe, that there was “no reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct” and so there would be no criminal investigation.

Binskin did a report for the Australian government into the incident, although he was not given access to all the information.

Three attacks over a few minutes on the World Central Kitchen convoy, that was travelling in Gaza at night after unloading supplies, killed seven people from several countries.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong called in Newman on Thursday to express the government’s anger.

The Wednesday announcement was seen as all the more galling because it came hours after Wong, with Frankcom’s family, had launched an award in her name on World Humanitarian Day.

Wong spoke with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on Thursday night.

A spokesperson said she had “conveyed Australia’s view and expectations”.

The Albanese government has promised to pursue the issue further, in consultation with the Frankcom family.

But it is not clear what, realistically, it could do that would change the situation.

The Netanyahu government is headed to an election soon and is unlikely to be swayed.

Australia is likely to consult with other countries affected by the attack.

The United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Poland had citizens killed.

A Palestinian was also killed.