- Australia is preparing another round of sanctions against Israel, but has stopped short of joining the UK in banning trade with Israeli settlements.
- Foreign minister Penny Wong says Australia is pursuing further targeted measures to deter illegal settlements and settler violence, after the UK announced broad sanctions.
- Wong said the Israeli government was extinguishing the possibility of a two-state solution through violence and expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
- Wong called on the Israeli government to stop violence between settlers and Palestinians, including the destruction of property, displacement of families, torture, sexual assault and killings.
Australia is preparing to implement targeted sanctions against Israel to address illegal settlements and settler violence, as stated by Foreign Minister Penny Wong. This decision comes in the wake of the UK government's announcement of broad sanctions, which Wong noted Australia will not follow by banning trade with Israeli settlements.2
Wong emphasized that Australia is pursuing further targeted measures in coordination with international partners, aiming to deter actions that undermine the possibility of a two-state solution. She criticized the Israeli government's expansion of settlements, stating it is “extinguishing the possibility of a two-state solution” through violence.3
The UK government, led by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, has labeled the actions in the West Bank as unlawful, asserting that there is “ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in areas of the West Bank, perpetrated by settler terrorists.” In response, the UK plans to introduce a ban on arms licenses and other exports to the occupied territories.
Wong's comments reflect a broader international sentiment, as twelve countries have also expressed intentions to consider sanctions against Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. This includes a joint statement from Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, indicating their commitment to introduce national restrictions on trade with these settlements.
As Australia navigates its position, Wong has called for the Israeli government to halt violence against Palestinians, including property destruction and killings, highlighting the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
“Wong accused the Israeli government of 'extinguishing the possibility of a two-state solution' through violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank. She called on Israel to stop settler violence, including destruction of property, displacement, torture, and killings.”
The Guardian
