Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, dismissed renewed international appeals for diplomacy shortly after Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged de-escalation and a return to dialogue amid the escalating Middle East conflict.

Minister Wong reiterated Australia’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence following Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets. She emphasized the importance of restraint and diplomatic engagement, warning that continued escalation would have consequences for the entire region.

Wong also disclosed that she had contacted her Iranian counterpart to advocate for dialogue and de-escalation. Despite these efforts, Ambassador Maimon criticized such calls, stating on X: “Iran openly declares its intent and continues to build weapons to realize it… Yet some still urge diplomacy, as if words can stop warheads.”

This exchange comes after Australia imposed sanctions on two Israeli ministers over their stance on illegal West Bank settlements, a move coordinated with Canada and the UK. The decision, however, has drawn criticism from the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.

Wong defended the sanctions, stating that settler violence is incompatible with efforts toward Palestinian statehood. “We are far from a two-state solution, which is why global cooperation is necessary to pave the way forward,” she said.