Politics live: Kevin Rudd urges more multilateral diplomacy; UK hopeful Australia will join West Bank trade ban
UK foreign affairs officials have expressed a desire for Australia to join a trade ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Australia has declined to join the ban, citing concerns over unintended consequences and a commitment to a two-state solution.
Why it matters
The disagreement highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the differing approaches Western nations are taking toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
It was ‘hoped’ Australia would join UK trade ban on Israeli settlements in West Bank: Emily Thornberry
The head of the UK’s foreign affairs select committee says there was hope Australia would join the UK’s trade ban on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Australia is preparing another round of sanctions against Israel but has stopped short of joining the UK’s trade ban. On Tuesday, the UK government announced it would ban imported goods from illegal settlements in the occupied territories.
Speaking to the ABC’s 7.30, Emily Thornberry, the chair of the UK’s foreign affairs select committee, was asked whether she hoped Australia would join the UK’s trade ban decision:
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