"Missed opportunity": Australia backed out at the last moment from the move against settlements

Australia backed out at the last moment from joining a UK-led initiative to restrict trade with Israeli businesses in the settlements. European diplomats expressed disappointment and surprise. According to ABC, Australia participated in discussions until close to the completion of the declaration but did not sign. Internal political considerations, including pressure after the Bondi terror attacks, may have influenced the decision.

Australia backed out at the last moment from joining an international initiative led by the UK to restrict trade with Israeli businesses in the settlements in Judea and Samaria, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation ABC. European diplomats expressed disappointment and surprise at the decision. Last week, 12 countries, including the UK, France, Canada, and others, published a joint declaration committing to impose or consider restrictions on trade with the settlements. According to ABC, Australia participated in discussions until close to the completion of the declaration's text and even signaled openness to taking further steps. A European source said they saw an early draft in which Australia appeared among the participating countries. However, it is unclear whether Canberra formally agreed to join. Sources estimated that internal political considerations, including pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after the Bondi terror attacks and criticism from Jewish organizations, influenced the decision. An Australian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Canberra fears that blanket import bans would inadvertently harm businesses, workers, and Palestinians. Instead of an import boycott, Australia intends to promote targeted measures to deter illegal settlements and settler violence. The international move came after British Foreign Secretary David Lammy declared "ethnic cleansing" in Judea and Samaria, a claim Israel rejects.