Australia withdraws from late-stage discussions over a UK-led plan to impose trade sanctions on businesses linked to Israeli West Bank settlements, according to European diplomatic sources cited by ABC Australia. The outlets report that Australia declined to join a 12-nation coalition after negotiations were already underway.
ABC Australia says European diplomats are surprised and disappointed by Australia’s decision. The Jerusalem Post similarly reports, citing EU diplomatic sources, that Australia pulled out at the last minute during the final stages of talks. Both accounts describe the process as a late change ahead of a forthcoming public statement, with diplomats indicating they expected Australia to participate.
The reporting centers on diplomatic reactions to Australia’s position rather than providing details of Australia’s rationale. Neither source outlines the specific conditions for joining the sanctions coalition or the precise timing of the withdrawal beyond characterizing it as occurring shortly before an intended statement.
