Australia has imposed sanctions and travel bans on Israeli settlers it accuses of violent crimes against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the sanctions on Thursday, directed at seven Israeli settlers and a hardline settler group known for setting up new illegal outposts.
The group, Hilltop Youth, incites and perpetrates violence against Palestinians, said Wong, while the sanctioned settlers have committed beatings, sexual assault and torture.
“In a statement, Wong called on Israel to hold those responsible for settler violence accountable and to stop its continuous settlement activity, which exacerbates tensions and further jeopardizes stability and prospects for a two-state solution.”
The Australian government’s move follows similar actions by its allies the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Japan.
On June 11, the US, a steadfast supporter of Israel, announced a new wave of sanctions against several Israeli settlers and a far-right Israeli nationalist group, Lehava.
“The United States remains deeply concerned about extremist violence and instability in the West Bank, which undermines Israel’s own security,” US Department of State spokesman Matthew Miller said at the time.
“We strongly encourage the government of Israel to take immediate steps to hold these individuals and entities accountable.”
