Australia is preparing a new round of sanctions against Israel and says it will impose “targeted measures” related to West Bank settlement activity, while stopping short of joining the UK in banning trade in goods produced in Israeli settlements.
Foreign affairs minister Penny Wong says Australia shares concerns about the violence associated with Israeli settlers and the need to deter illegal settlement activity, and she plans coordination with international partners. She also says the government has reservations about a blanket import or trade ban, arguing it could produce unintended consequences for Australian businesses and for people on both sides, including Palestinians and Israelis.
The UK’s stance is described as tougher in tone, with UK foreign secretary Ed Miliband condemning Israel’s occupation efforts in the West Bank and referring to “ethnic cleansing of Palestinians” and “settler terrorists.” Australia’s approach is presented as narrower and focused on specific measures rather than an all-encompassing trade restriction, reflecting differences in how sanctions are designed and applied.
Overall, both accounts describe a shift toward sanctions linked to settlement-related actions, but with Australia declining the specific trade-ban element that other governments are considering or implementing.
