Australia imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on seven “Israeli” settlers and a youth group for their involvement in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, according to a report by Reuters. 

The group, which remains unnamed, has been implicated in inciting and committing acts of violence, including beatings, sexual assault, and in some cases, causing death. 

Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, highlighted these actions in a statement, emphasizing the need for accountability.

"We call on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and to cease its ongoing settlement activity, which only inflames tensions and further undermines stability and prospects for a two-state solution," Wong stated.

This decision aligns Australia with other nations, including the UK, the US, Canada, and Japan, which also sanctioned “Israeli” settlers in response to the violence. 

In response, “Israel’s” Embassy in Australia condemned the acts of violence against Palestinian communities. 

An embassy spokesperson asserted, "Israel is a state of law and will work to bring the extreme minority involved to justice," emphasizing that these actions are not representative of the broader “Israeli” community.

Violent incidents involving “Israeli” settlers in the West Bank reportedly increased since October 7. These settlers often receive protection from the Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) during their attacks on Palestinians and their property.

The West Bank is home to numerous Jewish settlements considered illegal under international law, though “Israel” disputes this classification. 

Recently, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion declaring the Israeli Occupation unlawful, a non-binding yet significant legal perspective.