Ed Husic, a Labor Party member of parliament representing western Sydney, has called on the Albanese government to take concrete measures against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, following Australia’s decision not to impose a trade ban on goods from these areas. Husic criticized the government’s approach, warning that mere statements are insufficient to address the ongoing violence and settlement expansion undermining the prospect of a Palestinian state.

The Australian government has declined to follow the lead of countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and France, which have recently announced trade restrictions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. These nations have framed their actions as part of a coordinated international effort to pressure Israel to halt settlement activity and reduce violence against Palestinians. The UK, in particular, has committed to banning imports from settlements, restricting arms exports, and implementing targeted sanctions on individuals linked to settler violence, with a full implementation expected within six to nine months.

Husic expressed disappointment over Australia’s refusal to join these measures. Speaking in parliament, he highlighted what he described as a double standard in Australia’s foreign policy, referencing the country’s willingness to sanction Russia despite potential economic repercussions, while avoiding similar sanctions against Israel due to concerns about impacts on Australian businesses and local communities. “We took action [against Russia] knowing it would have an impact, precisely because we wanted it to,” Husic stated.

Labor Friends of Palestine, an internal party group, has also urged foreign affairs minister Penny Wong to adopt a stronger stance consistent with the coalition of countries implementing trade restrictions. The group emphasized that any policy should be carefully designed to avoid harming Palestinian workers and unintended consequences while maintaining firm opposition to settlement expansion, annexation, and settler violence. Their call aligns with Labor’s national platform updated in July, which opposes illegal settlement activity and supports further sanctions and measures as necessary.

Foreign Minister Wong has affirmed Australia’s concern over settlement activity but stopped short of endorsing a broad trade ban. She cited potential “unintended consequences” for Australian businesses, Palestinians, and Israelis as reasons for the government’s cautious approach. Wong also rejected claims by the Greens that the government’s stance was intended to appease Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, noting that the Australian government’s policies have drawn clear disapproval from Netanyahu’s government.

Asked about allegations by the UK foreign secretary Ed Miliband regarding “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians by settler groups in the West Bank, Wong avoided direct agreement but reiterated Australia’s enactment of sanctions against Israeli extremists responsible for violence targeting Palestinian civilians.

In addition to these diplomatic and policy debates, Wong is collaborating with the family of Zomi Frankcom, an Australian aid worker killed in Gaza, seeking justice after the Israel Defense Forces decided not to launch a criminal investigation into the incident. This ongoing case further underscores Australia’s complex position in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict amid growing international calls for accountability and action.