Australia to increase sanctions against West Bank settlements

Australia will introduce new sanctions against West Bank settlements, but Foreign Minister Penny Wong has ruled out a blanket ban on imports from the settlements.

The UK, France and Canada this week announced import bans on products produced in West Bank settlements. In the UK, the ban is part of a package of sanctions which signals a significant change in Britain's policy towards Israel-Palestine.

“I can announce Australia is pursuing further targeted measures in coordination with international partners to deter illegal settlements and settler violence,” Wong told the Senate on Tuesday. She said Australian businesses had already been instructed not to bid for construction tenders for illegal settlements in the West Bank and other sanctions would follow, but they would not include banning imports from the settlements.

“Australia is not, at this time, pursuing a blanket-style import ban. We have concerns about the implementation of a blanket ban and unintended consequences for Australian businesses, for Palestinians and for Israelis, and we will continue to work with partners to protect the prospects of a two-state solution.”

Wong accused the Netanyahu government of “extinguishing the possibility of a two-state solution” by allowing the rapid expansion of settlements in the West Bank and failing to take sufficient action against extremist settlers.

“Australia continues to call on Israel to take urgent steps to address the situation on the ground, including to stop settlers destroying properties, displacing families, beating, torturing, sexually assaulting, and killing Palestinians,” she said.