Coalition, Jewish leaders and international allies question Labor's decision to sanction two Israeli cabinet ministers

Sky News AU

a day ago

The Albanese government has faced mounting criticism over its decision to impose sanctions on two Israeli cabinet ministers over the Gaza War.
Domestic Jewish leaders, the federal opposition and key international allies have all questioned Foreign Minister Penny Wong's decision to impose the sanctions.
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich were sanctioned over claims they had incited extremist violence.
These sanctions mean all their assets in Australia must be frozen, they must not enter Australia and making assets available to them would be an offence.
The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) has condemned the sanctions, accusing Labor of targeting Israeli leaders while ignoring Palestinian violence.
'The AJA is appalled by reports that the Albanese Government is imposing sanctions on ministers of the Israeli government,' CEO Robert Gregory said.
'This action represents a hostile and unjustified attack on a democratic ally and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
'Under the Albanese government, Australia's longstanding bipartisan relationship with Israel has been severely damaged.'
Mr Gregory warned the government's actions have 'emboldened Islamic extremists' and had 'contributed to a rise in antisemitism at home'.
Teal MP Allegra Spender told Sky News there will be 'a lot of concern' in her community, given that she represents an electorate with many Jewish residents.
'I've sought a briefing from the foreign minister in relation to (the sanctions) in terms of … what is the justification for this,' she said.
Coalition frontbencher Dan Tehan also questioned the government's decision, warning of diplomatic consequences and demanding a briefing.
'This is a very serious move to sanction two ministers from a democratically elected government,' Mr Tehan told ABC Radio National on Wednesday.
'And what we want is a briefing… We also would like to know how it's going to help the peace process.'
Mr Tehan said that the government needed to explain why this was a good decision when the US 'has said it's likely to be unhelpful'.
US Senator Marco Rubio called on the Albanese government to reverse the sanctions on Wednesday.
'"The United States condemns the sanctions imposed by the governments of United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia,' he said.
'These sanctions do not advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war.'
In Israel, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the sanctions as 'outrageous' and said they would undermine peace efforts.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended the move at a press conference on Tuesday, saying the ministers had committed 'serious human rights violations'.
She said the decision was made in coordination with like-minded partners and was aimed at 'advancing peace and the cause of a two-state solution'.
Asked by Sky News whether Australia would consider sanctioning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ms Wong did not rule it out.
'We don't speculate about the approach,' she said, adding that the two ministers were 'not the only members of the Israeli government whose actions have been problematic'.