Australia’s recent recognition of the state of Palestine has reignited calls for stronger actions to address ongoing violence and displacement in the West Bank. Since January 2023, around 5,900 Palestinians have been either partially or fully displaced due to settler violence, while last year saw 32,000 Palestinians forcibly removed from refugee camps in the West Bank.

These developments have drawn criticism not only from international observers but also from former Israeli military and political figures. Major General Eyal Ben-Reuven, who has dedicated his career to Israel’s defense, described settler actions in the West Bank as a “real threat” to Israel, calling it a more pressing concern than threats posed by Iran, Gaza, or Lebanon. Ephraim Sneh, a former Israeli health minister and brigadier general, referred to the situation as “ethnic cleansing,” and retired air force general Asaf Agmon warned that such societal behavior could lead to the downfall of Israel.

In response to these issues, the United Kingdom’s Labour government, under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, has initiated measures targeting illegal settlements, including bans on imports linked to settlement expansion. However, the Australian government has publicly declined to follow suit, citing concerns over sweeping bans leading to unintended consequences for businesses in Australia, as well as for Palestinians and Israelis.

This hesitation contrasts with Australia’s firm stance on Russia, where the government has imposed approximately 1,800 sanctions and tariffs in response to the invasion of Ukraine, resulting in a near-total reduction in imports from Russia. Critics argue that Australia’s willingness to impose economic pressure on Russia but not on Israel over settlement-related issues raises questions about consistency in its foreign policy.

Labor MP Ed Husic, representing Chifley in western Sydney, expressed disappointment over Australia’s decision, urging the government to take more concrete action. He drew parallels with former Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s campaign against apartheid in South Africa, highlighting how targeted sanctions were instrumental in challenging systemic injustices despite potential economic impacts. Husic emphasized that Australia’s recognition of Palestine should be followed by tangible efforts to protect that recognition, warning that rhetorical statements alone will not alter the policies of the Netanyahu government, which he said is likely to disregard international criticism.

Husic also noted that many Australians, including members of his own party, expect stronger measures to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians, framing this as part of a broader commitment to social justice. He recalled former Prime Minister Ben Chifley’s words about advancing humanity’s betterment beyond national borders as a guiding principle.

The UK’s recent initiative to address settler violence has garnered support from nearly a dozen other countries. Australia, however, remains one of the few governments to resist joining this international coalition, a position welcomed by Israel’s government. The decision underscores ongoing divisions within the international community over how best to respond to the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.