Published: 9 September 2026
Last updated: 10 September 2026
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.
Comments2
judy11 September at 09:44 am
(begin part 2)
I believe Foreign Minister Wong is trying to act in good faith; but DFAT’s actions-to-date are meaningless. I found only twelve individuals and four farms on Australia’s Consolidated List (individuals and entities subject to sanctions). [1] We make *no* difference with this paucity of sanctions; the vast majority of criminals seep-through. Wong’s proposals to-date do nothing to staunch the flow of people, money, goods, and services between Australia and settlements.
WE MUST DO MORE – NOW!
Sanctioning the Settlement Enterprise is *NOT* sanctioning / boycotting Israel.
It’s *NOT* even remotely anti-semitic.
It’s merely acknowledging International Humanitarian Law that settlements are *ILLEGAL* – confirmed by an ICJ advisory opinion (2024); it’s taking action against the Settlement Enterprise, versus just spinning words. Sanctioning settlers and settlements – and the entire SE that enables such horrific acts – is the very least we must do!
Peace,
Judy
judy11 September at 09:43 am
Protesters are “brainwashed.” The settlement issue is “blown out of proportion.” [Israeli Ambassador to Australia Newman]
The Ambassador can*NOT* be serious …
For 20+ years, I’ve witnessed first-hand destruction of productive, ancient trees and expulsion from privately-owned land, stolen for illegal, settler-only roads; I’ve watched repeated, total razing of Palestinian shepherding villages, inhabitants subjected to pogroms of unmitigated violence by thugs-called-settlers, aided and protected by soldiers. I’ve seen family members beaten and shot; farms and livelihoods destroyed; animals abused, slain, stolen; schools and clinics pulverised; and people expelled from their homes – homes that pre-exist 1948 Israel.
One of my extended family was murdered by settlers this week – Omar Mohammad Tubasi. A young man, studying for his dental degree.
Three villages I visit were flattened: Khallet aDabba, where I have many-years-long friends, Khirbet al-Fakhit, and al-Taban – all in Masafer Yatta.
(end part 1)