Australia sanctions West Bank extremist settler farms
Australia has imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers’ agricultural outposts in the West Bank for the first time in response to rising violence in the disputed Palestinian territory.
New diplomatic sanctions that took effect Tuesday against four settler agricultural outposts and three individuals are the latest in a long list of far-right Israeli figures.
The federal government previously imposed sanctions on Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who released a video in May in which he berated pro-Palestinian activists.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said Israel must fulfill its obligations under international law and take urgent action to end settler violence.
“Settler violence is used to displace Palestinians and perpetuate the settlement enterprise through the destruction of property, displacement of families, beatings, sexual assault and torture, resulting in serious injuries and deaths,” he said in a statement on Tuesday. he said.
“The individuals and organizations sanctioned today have undermined Israel’s own security and position in the world and harmed the interests of the Israeli people.
“Australia’s sanctions against them reflect our commitment to the security and future of Israel and Palestine.”
Four settler agricultural outposts (Moshe’s Farm, Meitarim Farm, Neria’s Farm, and Zvi’s farm) that served as bases for extremist Israelis attacking Palestinians were included in the sanctions list.
The sanctions include Ben Zion Gopstein, founder of the far-right Lehava organization, which the government says promotes the ideology of Jewish supremacy.
The organization has been endorsed by Australia since 2001.
Extremist settlers Eden Levi and Moshe Sharvit, who Australia said were involved in attacks and intimidation against Palestinians, were also sanctioned.
The restrictions mean the men are no longer allowed to enter Australia and it is illegal for an Australian to give them money or assets.
Senator Wong said Australia was coordinating with partners, including New Zealand, in implementing the measures.
