Australia declines to join UK, Canada, France in West Bank settlement trade sanctions

Australia has opted not to join the UK, Canada, and France in imposing trade bans on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, drawing criticism from Labor's pro-Palestinian faction. The decision follows a July party platform change and a letter to Foreign Minister Penny Wong urging a stronger response. The move signals a divergence among Western allies on settlement policy, with Australia maintaining a softer stance despite domestic pressure.