Report: Australia's reluctance to join settlement sanctions disappoints EU diplomats
Report: Australia's reluctance to join settlement sanctions disappoints EU diplomats European diplomats have expressed surprise and disappointment after Australia declined to join a UK-led move to target trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to an ABC report based on interviews with diplomatic sources in several countries. Twelve other nations had backed the UK’s…
European diplomats have expressed surprise and disappointment following Australia's decision to not join a UK-led initiative targeting trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, according to an ABC report based on interviews with diplomatic sources. Twelve other nations backed the UK's decision, committing to or considering action on trade with illegal settlements.
Canada was the sole non-European signatory. Four sources indicated Australia participated in the discussions until shortly before the statement's finalization, expressing openness to further action. However, it ultimately decided against signing.
Some sources speculate that Australia's reluctance may be attributed to pressure Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced since the Bondi terror attacks and criticism from Jewish groups for the federal government's perceived weakness on antisemitism. Other sources suggest internal politics may have hindered the government's ability to present a unified position in time to join the statement.
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