Extract from ABC News
Former Defence chief Mark Binskin has been appointed as Australia's special adviser on Israel's response to an air strike that killed seven aid workers in Gaza last week.
Australian Zomi Frankcom was among seven staff at the World Central Kitchen (WCK) killed when Israel attacked an aid convoy travelling in Gaza earlier this month.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dismissed two officers over the strike, which it acknowledged violated the IDF's rules of engagement.
But comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu caused alarm within government when he described the strike as "unintentional" and what "happens in war".
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Air Chief Marshal Binskin was "eminently qualified" to provide the Australian government advice on the sufficiency and appropriateness of steps taken by the Israeli government.
"Air Chief Marshal Binskin will engage with Israel and the Israel Defense Forces on the response to the attack which killed Zomi and her colleagues," Senator Wong said in a statement.
"Australia has made clear to the Israeli government our expectation and trust that this engagement will be facilitated.
"The Australian government has been clear that we expect full accountability for these deaths."
Air Chief Marshal Binskin previously served as chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2014 to 2018.
He will advise the government whether there are any further representations or actions that could be taken, and ensure measures are taken to hold those responsible to account.
The federal government announced its intention late last week to appoint a special adviser to scrutinise the investigation into the air strike after receiving a briefing from Israel.
The government said Israel's response so far had not been sufficient, and expressed alarm at the Israel government's apparent failure to grasp the "gravity" of the situation.
Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson said he welcomed the appointment.
"He is a very well respected, very senior Defence leader and is an appropriate appointment for a role like this," he said.
"It is important that Australia has its own perspective on this investigation, so we can form our own view about the responsibility here."
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