95bFM Request for Inquiry opened into whether New Zealand is sharing information to help Israel’s military campaign in Gaza
25 September, 2024
Interview by Evie Richardson, adapted by Leilani Cardosa
A request for an official inquiry into New Zealand’s potential involvement in sharing intelligence to aid Israel’s war on Gaza has been raised, amidst concerns over the country’s inclusion in the Five Eyes intelligence network.
This is a first-of-its-kind case, as this is the first time an inquiry has been requested by a member of the public.
The inquiry; called for by three lawyers, seeks to clarify whether Aotearoa’s intelligence agencies, the NZSIS and GCSB, have been sharing classified information that could be used to support Israel’s war on Gaza.
As a member of the Five Eyes alliance alongside the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, New Zealand automatically shares information with these nations.
Israel has long received US foreign aid including military support, with the UK also openly expressing sharing information with Israel.
Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Brendan Horsley, has confirmed he is considering the request, however, due to the information involved, the inquiry will likely be conducted behind closed doors.
Despite this, a public report is expected to be issued, with classified details withheld.
This comes following a UN General Assembly resolution, which saw a non-binding vote of 124-14 calling for Israel to end illegally occupying Palestinian territories within 12 months.
Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland and one of the three lawyers pushing for the inquiry, Treasa Dunworth, told 95bFM’s The Wire, that the push for the inquiry stems from the ambiguity surrounding where New Zealand’s classified information is, or is not, going.
“We have asked [the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security] to open an inquiry into whether there is any intelligence sharing happening — but we don't even know that because that information is classified.”
“We don't know if any of that information comes from New Zealand's operations under the Five Eyes network.”
She says this is not the first time an inquiry has looked into New Zealand sharing intelligence with other countries.
Dunworth points to New Zealand sharing information with the CIA from 2001 to 2009 as a part of the War on Terror; an American-led campaign launched following the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.
She says these events raised questions about the ethical responsibilities of sharing information, particularly regarding human rights violations.
“The previous inquiries have resulted in recommendations to improve intelligence procedures and transparency, which we hope will be the case here as well.”
“The Intelligence and Security Act of 2017 stresses the importance of accountability and democratic oversight, and we believe that addressing these concerns will ultimately lift public confidence in our intelligence agencies.”
Dunworth says if New Zealand is found to be sharing information with Israel, it could be found to breach the Bill of Rights Act or Aotearoa’s international obligations under the Geneva Convention.
“We believe the Inspector-General not only has the authority, but the obligation, to open this inquiry and ensure that New Zealand’s actions are in line with its values and international law.”
