June 14, 2024
IDF presence taints Rimpac say Greens
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The Greens are calling for a boycott of a US-led military exercise where the New Zealand Defence Force will train beside the Israel Defence Force.
Defence and disarmament spokesperson Teanau Tuiono says staying out of the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise, known as Rimpac, is a way to show New Zealand’s opposition to what Israel is doing in Gaza and the total disregard it has for Palestinian lives.
“So we can’t pretend this is business as usual, the Rimpac is a US-led thing. They are Israel’s closest ally. It’s just not appropriate, particulary at this point in time, for us to be engaging in military exercises wih Israel,” Mr Tuiono says.
He says Maori sentiment is clearly in support of Palestine.
Defence Minister Judith Collins says it is important New Zealand attends Rimpac and exercises alongside the other countries.
Rimpac would bring together up to 29 militaries, involving more than 25,000 personnel, according to its US organisers.The aim of the exercise, which would start on 26 June and last more than a month, was to build partnerships and interoperability between the 29 militaries.
Defence Minister Judith Collins says it is important to attend Rimpac, and work alongside the other countries.