Australia’s announcement last week that it would sanction two Israeli ministers has already created diplomatic rupture with the United States. PM Anthony Albanese announced these unilateral sanctions, which specifically target the actions of Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. At the time, the US administration reacted with outrage at such moves. As we look to the Group of Seven (G7) summit this May, tensions continue to escalate. It remains to be seen if Albanese and former President Donald Trump will cross paths in person at the event.
Australia’s “Magnitsky-style” sanctions have drawn fire from some Australian politicians. Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg said these kinds of measures used against this country’s democratically elected leaders are unacceptable. In spite of this blowback, Albanese stood by the decision, arguing that Israel needs to be held to account and abide by its international law obligations.
Diplomatic Tensions with the US
The US administration’s opposition to Australia’s sanctions represents yet another sign of cracks in the otherwise rocky, but deep and wide, alliance between the two countries. The Biden administration’s reaction highlights concerns over Australia’s foreign policy direction, especially as it pertains to Israel. A cornered Trump administration will likely respond with extreme prejudice.
As each side goes through the smoke of this conflict Australia sits at a pivot regarding its larger policy and military obligations to the world. The Pentagon is currently reviewing the AUKUS defense pact, which was designed to bolster security cooperation between Australia, the UK, and the US. US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth has recently begun lobbying Australia to increase spending to 3.5% of GDP. Albanese has vociferously resisted this plan.
Military Spending Disputes
At present military spending in Australia is a little over 2% of GDP. This split in expectations for defense spending has led to uncertainty about the future of military cooperation under the AUKUS umbrella. The second motivation comes from US interest to have the defense tune match DC Trump’s “America-first” agenda. This has led to increasing pressure on Australia to rethink its investments in the defense budget.
Increasing defense spending
Under Albanese, the government has been criticized for not spending enough on defense with tensions mounting globally. The Prime Minister’s rejection of Hegseth’s demand is an encouraging indication of Australia’s commitment to the fiscal status quo. Yet concurrently, the Prime Minister is committed to projecting a strong defense stance. Still, these decisions have Australian officials spooked about how they could further sour relations with allies.
Upcoming G7 Summit and Uncertain Meetings
The 2010 G7 in Canada, from June 15 to 17. This is a proud moment, but this event provides a very important opportunity for Albania to engage with the international community, including Donald Trump. Doubt about the likelihood of any such encounter between the two leaders hangs heavy. The imposition of sanctions on Israeli ministers may make sensitive bilateral discussions more difficult and will likely overshadow other important bilateral issues.
Despite his recent statements, Trump has a record of being at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza. This further complicates an already complex area. Peace talks These leaders are preparing for possible even bigger in-person negotiations. The continued sanctions and disagreements over defense spending will almost certainly shape their relationship in important ways.
