Australia pulled out of West Bank sanctions at last minute, EU diplomats reveal – report

Australia reportedly withdrew at the last minute from a UK-led initiative to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, according to European diplomats cited by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Twelve Western-aligned governments, including Canada as the only non-European nation, ultimately issued a collective statement committing to or considering such sanctions. EU officials had lobbied Australia to join, and while Australia was initially open to more aggressive action, it ultimately declined. Sources speculated that domestic politics, including criticism from Australian Jewish groups and concerns about the UK's strong language characterizing Israeli policy as "ethnic cleansing," influenced the decision. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated, "We are concerned blanket import bans present practical challenges," and confirmed Australia is pursuing "further targeted measures, in coordination with international partners, to deter illegal settlements and settler violence."