Australia will pursue further targeted measures with international partners to deter Israeli settlements and settler violence in the West Bank, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has announced, while stopping short of joining the United Kingdom in imposing a blanket trade ban.
The position came under further attention after Emily Thornberry, chair of the UK’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee, said there had been hope Australia would join the UK’s decision to ban imported goods from illegal settlements in the occupied territories.
Speaking to the ABC’s 7.30, Thornberry said all countries had their own decisions to make, while expressing hope Australia might eventually join the UK’s approach.
“I think it was hoped that they might but, you know, all countries have their own decisions to make. We all want the same thing and nobody says this is easy,” Thornberry said.
Thornberry said she had a “lot of time” for Wong and suggested she remained open to discussing the issue with Australian counterparts.
“I don’t know the basis upon which she’s made a decision not to be involved with us, but I’m sure that you know she believes that what she’s doing is in the interests of Palestinians and in the interests of justice,” Thornberry said.
She later added: “I’m always happy to talk to my Australian friends and maybe even persuade them.”
Wong has said Australia is concerned a blanket-style import ban could have unintended consequences for Australian businesses, Palestinians and Israelis. She has also reiterated that Australia will continue to protect the prospect of a two-state solution.
Wong told the Senate that Australia was pursuing further targeted measures in coordination with international partners to deter illegal settlements and settler violence.
Australia’s approach differs from the UK’s position, with the government favouring targeted sanctions rather than a blanket import ban on goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Further comments from Assistant Minister for Customs Julian Hill have added to the government’s position on possible sanctions. Hill said he had been “extremely outspoken” about increasing settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, but would not speculate on what additional measures the government might introduce.
Speaking to RN Breakfast, Hill said the situation was against international law and described the current Israeli government’s policies and actions as “unconscionable”. He pointed to measures already taken by Australia, including sanctions against Israeli ministers, individuals and entities.
Hill said the government would not announce specific sanctions in advance, arguing that sanctions are a serious legal tool and an expression of Australia’s national interest in response to international circumstances. He said any new measures would be announced by Wong once she had approved them.
The issue has also drawn questions from Australian politicians, including calls for the government to join countries imposing trade restrictions linked to Israeli settlements.
Independent MP Helen Haines has now asked what it would take for Australia to join its allies in imposing trade bans on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles offered no further detail on the government’s position. He said Australia supports a two-state solution and recognises that illegal settlements hinder that outcome, but maintained that targeted sanctions on individuals and entities remain the government’s approach.
Marles said Australia had already imposed sanctions and bans on people and entities involved in settlement activity in the territories, including Israeli ministers, and would continue to consider further targeted measures in cooperation with allies and international partners.
Australia will continue to work with international partners on further measures while maintaining its stated support for a two-state solution.
Source: The Guardian
