German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a conservative whose support for Israel was a foundation of his election campaign, last week announced he would not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza “until further notice”.

When pressed further on the issue of components, he said that Australia was part of the F-35 supply chain and had been for decades.

Marles said components were “a separate issue, and this is about having an impact on Israel”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the army will “prepare” to take over Gaza City with Israel’s proposal outlining principles for “concluding the war”. Source: Getty / Amir Levy

“There is no step that we can take here which has any impact in relation to the activities of Israel. And it is a very different question to what is being talked about in relation to Germany which obviously has a significant supply in to Israel,” he said.

After the US, Germany is the next biggest supplier of arms to Israel.

Source: SBS News

The Greens and pro-Palestinian groups have been pressuring the government over its military trade arrangements with Israel in recent months.

“Australia is a key part of the F35 fighter jet program. We are the only place in the world that makes parts like the bomb bay doors and we operate as one of the few regional distribution hubs.”

Anthony Albanese responds to calls for sanctions on Israel

“No, we make decisions and we never foreshadow any of those measures, but sometimes it’s just a slogan. I mean, sanctions, I’ve done this before at a press conference, which sanctions are you talking about,” he replied.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese may be on a visit to New Zealand, but broader world matters have continued to be a pressing issue, with questions about Australia’s position in regard to Israel being directed his way. Source: AAP / Peter Meecham

“People aren’t clear. What we need to do here is to have very clear statements and actions by the Australian government that make a difference, rather than respond to a slogan on a protest.

Albanese also repeated his government’s call for Israel to abandon its plan to seize control of Gaza City which was approved by Israel’s security cabinet on Friday.

“We have a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding there. And the idea that it can just be continued is completely unacceptable.”

Concerns around Palestinian state recognition under Hamas

– with additional reporting by AAP