Penny Wong Calls for Targeted Measures Instead of Broad Ban on West Bank Goods

Foreign Minister Penny Wong explained that Australia will not adopt the UK’s sweeping import restrictions on products from the occupied West Bank. Wong said the government prefers "targeted" sanctions that focus on individuals and entities directly involved in settlement activity, aiming to minimize unintended consequences for Australian businesses, Israelis and Palestinians. She warned that a blanket embargo could disrupt trade channels and harm ordinary workers on both sides of the conflict. Wong also condemned ongoing violence in the West Bank, describing settlement expansion as a barrier to a two‑state solution. The minister’s stance reflects a cautious compromise that seeks to address human‑rights concerns while preserving economic ties.