Australia, New Zealand Imposes New Sanctions Over Israeli Settler Violence

Australia has announced fresh sanctions against three Israeli individuals and four entities over what the Labor government described as escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the latest measures mark the first time Australia has sanctioned farming outposts allegedly linked to settler violence.

The government said the sanctions build on earlier measures imposed by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom, including sanctions targeting Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

The restrictions make it illegal for Australians to provide money or assets to those sanctioned, while the individuals named under the measures will no longer be permitted to enter the country.

The government said the sanctions were intended to increase pressure on Israel to address violence in the West Bank and uphold its obligations under international law.

Wong’s office said the pursuit of a two-state solution remained critical following the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza.

“The Australian government and international partners continue to call on Israel to take urgent action to end settler violence, ensure accountability for perpetrators and stop extremist, violent and expansionist rhetoric,” the statement said.

“Settler violence is used to displace Palestinians and perpetuate the settlement enterprise, through destruction of property, displacement of families, beatings, sexual assault, and torture, resulting in serious injuries and deaths.”

The announcement comes weeks after a group of 11 Australian activists returned home following their detention by Israeli defence forces while participating in a flotilla carrying food and medical supplies to Gaza.

New Zealand Joins Sanctions Effort

New Zealand has joined Australia and the EU in imposing travel bans on three Israeli settlers accused of extremist violence in the West Bank.

The individuals subject to the restrictions are Itamar Yehuda Levi, Harel David Libi and Eliav Libi. Under the measures, they will be barred from entering New Zealand.

In a statement, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the actions of the three men were undermining prospects for peace in the region.

“The actions of these individuals threaten peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians and drive the region further into crisis,” he said.

“Our travel bans are not about the Israeli people, nor the Israeli Government. This action is against three individuals whose use of violence and displacement is destabilising the West Bank. We have been clear such actions are unacceptable.”