Marles Defends Israeli Sanctions Despite Coalition Criticism

Credit: Deputy Minister Richard Marles FB page

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles Thursday defended Australia's sanctions against two Israeli ministers as consistent with humanitarian law, rejecting Coalition claims the measures lower sanctions standards and damage bilateral relationships.

Marles told Newsday the sanctions target ministers involved in human rights abuses in the West Bank and were coordinated with like-minded countries including the United Kingdom and Canada.

"We've sanctioned these two ministers in respect of their involvement of human rights abuses in the West Bank," Marles said during the television interview. "We've done this in combination with the United Kingdom, in combination with Canada and with other nations."

The defence minister emphasized the decision followed careful consideration over an extended period and aligns with Australia's broader Middle East policy objectives.

Coordination With Allied Nations

Marles stressed the sanctions represent coordinated international action rather than unilateral Australian policy, noting similar measures from multiple Western allies.

"We've worked very carefully in relation to taking this step over a period of time. And we've, as I say, done it in coordination with other like-minded countries," he said.

The coordinated approach aims to demonstrate unified international concern about human rights violations while maintaining relationships with Israel through collective rather than isolated action.

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