New Zealand declines to sanction Israeli West Bank settlements
Twelve countries announced trade sanctions on goods from illegal West Bank settlements. New Zealand declined to join.
The UK and eleven other countries announced trade restrictions on goods from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. New Zealand's government declined to join.
New Zealand says it has not traditionally used trade measures for foreign policy issues. Such action would need a complex policy process that cannot happen before the election.
New Zealand has used trade measures for foreign policy before. It imposed sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine, including bans on gold, oil, and gas.
The UN Security Council called Israel's 1967 occupation of the West Bank a clear violation of international law. In 2024, the International Court of Justice confirmed Israel's actions amount to illegal annexation.
Israel has built around 160 settlements housing 700,000 people since 1967. In the past 18 months, more than 300 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers.
- 160 settlements housing 700,000 people
- Settlements since 1967
- 12 countries including UK, France, Canada
- Global sanction coalition
Why it mattersTrade sanctions are a key tool to pressure governments. New Zealand's absence weakens the global response to what courts have ruled is illegal annexation.
AustraliaAustralia has not announced similar sanctions; the direction taken by New Zealand and other countries may influence Australian policy.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 d ago
