Australia Joins Allied Nations in Sanctioning Israeli Ministers Over West Bank Settlements

Credit: PM Anthony Albanese FB page

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Wednesday that Australia has imposed sanctions on two Israeli government ministers, joining four other allied nations in response to concerns about settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank.

Speaking at Western Sydney Airport, Albanese said Australia made the decision alongside New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and Norway, representing four of the five "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing nations.

"Australia makes their own decisions based upon the assessments that we make," Albanese told reporters. "And we've joined with four of the five ice countries, including New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as Norway."

The sanctions target specific Israeli ministers whose "positions" and "actions and rhetoric" have promoted settlement expansion and violence in the occupied territory, according to the Prime Minister.

"What we've done here is make a specific decision based upon the positions that have been put forward by these two Israeli ministers," Albanese said. "Based upon our concerns about the expansion of settlements in West Bank. Based upon our concerns about violence in the area being promoted, including by the actions and rhetoric of these ministers."

When pressed about potential additional sanctions against other Israeli government members, Albanese declined to speculate on future measures but emphasized Australia's broader Middle East policy positions.

The Prime Minister reiterated Australia's support for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and Israel's right to exist within secure borders while also backing "the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians."

"We have made it clear we see that Hamas should have no role in the future of the region," Albanese said. "We support Israel's right to live and to exist in secure borders, but we also support the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians."

Albanese characterized the sanctions as part of ongoing diplomatic pressure Australia has applied both privately and through public statements with allied nations.

"Sometimes friends have to be clear with each other," he said. "We've been clear with the Israeli government about our concerns, which we've raised continuously, both privately and through previous statements that have been made by Australia, New Zealand and Canada, in particular with joint statements."

The coordinated international response reflects growing Western concern about Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. The sanctions announcement comes amid continued violence in the occupied territory and ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Australia's decision to join the multilateral sanctions marks a significant diplomatic step, demonstrating alignment with key allies on Middle East policy while maintaining its stated support for Israel's security.

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