Wong Joins Criticism of Israeli Housing Plan on Disputed West Bank

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned Israel’s move to build homes on a 12-kilometre section of land bordering Jerusalem.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong (L) listens to Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he speaks during a press conference in Canberra, Australia on Aug. 11, 2025. Hilary Wardhaugh/AFP via Getty Images

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has joined 21 nations in condemning Israel’s approval to develop a 12-kilometre parcel of land known as the East-1 (E1).

The land lies just east of Jerusalem and sits between the city and the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim, which is located in the West Bank—what is internationally recognised as Palestinian territory.