Australia condemns Israel's expansion of West Bank settlements as President Herzog arrives in Canberra for a contentious visit, signaling the tension between Canberra and Jerusalem.

The UN chief warns the moves are destabilising and erode any chance for a two-state solution, framing the issue as a broader regional risk.

Herzog argues the two-state solution isn’t workable right now, urging fresh ideas and highlighting Israeli emotional trauma since the October 7 attacks.

Canberra reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law and a major obstacle to peace, while reaffirming support for a pathway to a two-state outcome.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, press for targeted sanctions on the World Zionist Organisation over settlement promotion and call for investigations into Yaakov Hagoel’s role.

Israel’s security cabinet eases land acquisitions by settlers and tightens Israeli control in the West Bank, drawing criticism for undercutting Oslo and the viability of a two-state solution.

Protests outside Parliament House during Herzog’s visit call for his arrest, with earlier demonstrations in Sydney at times escalating to clashes with police.

Herzog’s meetings with Governor-General Sam Mostyn and other Canberra leaders underscore the diplomatic dimension of the visit.

Australia emphasizes that altering Palestine’s demographics is unacceptable and that peace requires a pathway beyond the traditional two-state framework, aligned with Herzog’s remarks and reporting.