Australia did not join sanctions against settlements — Jerusalem Post
Australia did not join the United Kingdom’s initiative on sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This was reported by the Jerusalem Post, citing the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and diplomatic sources.
After the United Kingdom announced a trade embargo, 12 Western governments issued a joint statement. They said they intended to introduce or consider sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Canada was the only non-European country to join the statement.
Australia’s position
According to ABC’s sources, Australia was open to tougher steps regarding the settlements but did not join the initiative at the end of the discussions. European officials tried to persuade Canberra to join the coalition.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that the country and its partners were working toward a common goal, although they were applying different measures and not necessarily at the same time. The department noted that blanket import bans create practical difficulties, including the possibility of unintentionally harming Palestinian businesses, workers and livelihoods.
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The ministry also said that Australia was taking further targeted measures jointly with international partners to deter illegal settlements and settler violence.
Diplomats’ reaction
Two EU officials told ABC that they were surprised by Australia’s decision not to sign the statement. At the same time, another participant in the talks said Canberra had signaled openness to joining but had not made a final decision on the matter.
Some diplomatic sources suggested that Australia’s position may have been influenced by domestic political factors, including criticism from Australian Jewish organizations following the Bondi Beach terrorist attacks and rising antisemitism. The sources did not officially confirm this assumption.
In June, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Norway announced sanctions against Israeli companies that, according to their information, were linked to financing and facilitating settler violence in the West Bank.
